New main contractor for the refurbishment of Woolgate Exchange in the City of London

Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, has been appointed as main contractor by leading UK developer Stanhope PLC and the Woolgate Exchange Unit Trust (WEUT) on the full refurbishment of Woolgate Exchange.

The nine-storey building, newly named Woolgate, has been reimagined by leading architecture practice Stiff + Trevillion to meet the needs of modern occupiers. 

The refurbishment includes the introduction of a new 1,500 sq ft rooftop pavilion with unique views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Square Mile’s tall building cluster.

The renovated building will feature over 20,000 sq ft total external terrace amenity, providing urban greening, biodiversity, and generous outdoor space on the majority of upper floors. The current reception area leading onto Basinghall Street will be enlarged and a new entrance will be created on Coleman Street, complemented by a ‘pocket park’ and new retail amenity. 

The building will become the newest addition to the City’s ‘London Tree Trail’, a celebration of the diverse tree population and history of the Square Mile.

The development is on track to become an exemplar for retrofit in the City of London and is targeting net zero carbon in both construction and operation thanks to an ambitious reuse and retention strategy, which seeks to preserve 98% of the existing structure. The building will be all-electric, with no fossil fuel or gas boilers on site, and 100% green power purchase agreements (PPA) are being used. It is targeting a 4.5* NABERS rating and BREEAM Excellent.

Construction on the landmark building is due to start in the first quarter of 2023.

Ged Simmonds, Managing Director for Offices, Construct, at Mace, said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed on such an ambitious scheme that puts sustainability at its heart, providing world-leading office spaces for current and future City workers. We look forward to working alongside Stanhope and our partners to bring the exciting vision for Woolgate to life.”

Laura Collins, Project Director at Stanhope, said:

“Woolgate embodies Stanhope’s commitment to delivering assets, investments and developments that actively contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions whilst still providing grade A office space in the heart of the City of London. We look forward to commencing construction this Spring.”