Located in the north-west of the City of London, the Barbican and Golden Lane area has an extraordinary urban mix. Internationally renowned residential estates and world-class cultural institutions rub shoulders with the world’s largest financial centre. And alongside the architecture, culture, and business live real City residents, a vital community and key to its character.

The redevelopment of 1 Golden Lane, by developer Castleforge, is the next chapter in the evolution of this remarkable historic building, vacant for the last eight months, but set to provide much needed contemporary best-in-class workspace, as well as a new community and cultural destination.

The design retains 95% of the existing building structure and prioritises the retention and reuse of existing materials as well as the conservation of the building’s heritage. The alterations to the existing structure are limited to the creation of step free access to the main entrance and necessary repairs to the original façade. Our sustainability team has been helping define the best material options for the roof level extension, including several roof terraces, to minimise embodied carbon emissions.

Internal floorspace will be increased by around 19.8% and net lettable floorspace by 11.6%. In all, Uno will offer 10,725 sqm of commercial office space.

Formerly home to the Cripplegate Institute, with facilities including libraries, classrooms and a theatre, Uno will once more throw open its doors to the local community, providing a permanent ground floor collaboration space for people to engage in creative learning through the co-design of their community; one that is easily accessible and provides a wealth of historic references and architectural styles to draw upon.

Public artwork, new trees and flower beds, better footways and accessible spaces, will dramatically improve the area around Cripplegate Street and Golden Lane. And increased short stay cycle parking, in line with the London Plan, will encourage sustainable transport methods.

The area’s biodiversity will be further boosted by Uno’s plentiful green terraces, window boxes and a planned green wall on the southern façade.