Plans approved to create “attractive and sustainable” office complex in Maidenhead
Article posted on: 28 October 2021
Star House in Grenfell Road, Maidenhead, will be transformed into sustainable new office accommodation by applicant, Legal & General, following planning approval to refurbish the tired and outdated building.
Located near Maidenhead railway station in the town centre, the four-storey building will see a new entrance lobby with a two-storey extension added, along with the installation of three rooftop pavilions and terraces. There will also be a new ‘plastic-free’ café.
The scheme will feature low and zero-carbon technologies, which appealed to the planning committee. Some of the measures include adding rooftop solar panels and air source heat pump technologies, in order to reduce its carbon emissions by 39 per cent.
Proposals also include improvements to the public realm on the southern side of the building, including an outdoor seating area and landscaping. Parking will include 18 electric charging points and additional disabled bays. Over 150 secure cycle parking spaces will also be added.
Providing structural engineering consultancy services on the development, Clancy Consulting’s Divisional Director, Satpal Sagoo, commented, “This reuse of Star House in the centre of Maidenhead is a real gamechanger for the town. Not only is the scheme a beautiful design which will enhance the townscape context it sits within, it also aims to be a highly sustainable workspace aiming to gain an EPC A and BREEAM Excellent rating to ensure wellness credentials for users and improved environmental considerations. It’s a fantastic example of how to repurpose an existing building for its future long-term use.”
Simon Wilkes, head of development for Legal & General Real Assets said: “Star House was built in the early 2000s and is now tired, outdated and gives a poor first impression of Maidenhead.
“It commands a unique and increasingly important location in the town centre and should be fulfilling its sustainability and social value potential, particularly with Crossrail’s imminent arrival.
“Our proposals to modernise the building through a comprehensive, sustainable refurbishment will minimise the impact on the environment, reconnect it with its surroundings. It will bring more high-quality employment floorspace and jobs to Maidenhead, while also making a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the local area.”
Star House follows the recent completion for Clancy of One Victoria Street in Windsor, on behalf of Legal & General. The 48,000sq ft Grade A workspace was the first new office development in Windsor for 20 years and is now welcoming new tenants.