SG under Ron Sidell were originally appointed by Land Securities Plc to prepare a planning report in support of the proposed demolition of the 11 storey Bank of England complex known as One New Change.

Following an invited competition, Jean Nouvel was selected from a shortlist of architects including Rafael Moneo, HOK and Rafael Vinoly. The jury included Richard Rogers, Graham Morrison and Ron Sidell. Subsequently SG were appointed as executive architects to develop the design with Jean Nouvel. Situated in the conservation area opposite St. Paul’s cathedral. One New Change is the largest and most innovative building completed recently in the City of London. Consisting of circa a million square feet of construction it provides 3 levels of retail and restaurant venues above basement servicing, with 5 upper levels of offices and rooftop public terraces and restaurants overlooking St. Paul’s and the city. The building is provided with 4 independent service cores which support a highly adaptable footplate for both commercial and retail lettings. The undoubted success of the building as a retail destination with the public compliments the confidence that Land Securities showed with their investment in the regeneration of this neighbourhood.

The planning process for this ‘iconic’ building was won convincingly as a result of extensive consultation involving City Planners, St. Paul’s and all adjacent neighbours. The pedestrian cruciform route through the building connects the adjacent neighbours and City passages. The public realm extends to the rooftop terraces via the slot atrium opened to the sky that creates a new view to St. Paul’s. The form of the building is shaped by the geometry of St. Paul’s Heights and opening of views to the Cathedral along Watling Street.

The faceted geometry of the elevations and roof are created with over 4000 different glazed fritted panels stitched together over subframes and steel structure. In response to the changing requirements of the various elevations, the needs of insulation and solar protection are provided by a variety of glazed façade installations without affecting the overall visual continuity.  SG as design team leader were responsible for coordinating the three dimensional geometry of the building that established the Arup’s design structure. The glass panels are modified with fritting arranged with subtle colours that respond to the colour of the neighbouring buildings. A palette of toned glass, anodized metal and limestone are the essential architectural language.

The energy requirements of the building are supported by a comprehensive regime of ground source heat recovery installation.

The award winning interiors of the retail acknowledge a refreshingly new approach to the manner in which such imaginative space is experienced by the public. One New Change has received many National and International compliments including RIBA, MIPIM and Heritage awards.