Home Office, London

Bouygues UK, Ecovert FM and HSBC Infrastructure successfully completed the design and construction of the landmark Home Office Headquarters at 2 Marsham Street, on time and on budget in 2005. Built under the private finance initiative, it was the first new government building to be delivered in central London for nearly ten years.

Whilst the original programme for the project was already tight, demolition of the former Marsham Street towers added a further challenge in the form of the 65m diameter concrete bunkers buried beneath the old offices. Ultimately, controlled explosives had to be used to facilitate the final demolition, which in turn had to be overlapped with the start of works, to ensure that the 34-month programme for the 75,000m² office building was achieved. Fast track construction techniques were also adopted including “hybrid construction” (a mix of pre-cast and in-situ concrete structural elements).

The building, designed by Terry Farrell & Partners provides a focus for the regeneration of the surrounding area as part of a mixed-use development including the creation of residential accommodation, new urban spaces, pathways and retail outlets.

In addition to its architecture, the new building was awarded BREEAM “Excellent” certificate. The PFI model also proved very flexible, as significant architectural features, designed by the artist Liam Gillick,were integrated into the building during construction without affecting the financial or programming aspects of the project.

The partnership between the client, Bouygues UK and its entire supply chain was a key factor in the successful delivery of the project. Bouygues UK encouraged the Home Office to contribute to design development throughout the process and their user groups were extensively involved at all key stages. The local community was regularly consulted and updated on the progress of the works, and site hoardings were enlivened with paintings from local artists and the children at Millbank Primary School.

Ecovert FM was deeply involved from the outset of the design and procurement process, so enhancing the building's performance for the 26-year duration of the PFI contract.