Client: Arena Central Dev / Galliford Try
Project overview
The HSBC Headquarters is a stunning new office development housing the headquarters for HSBC's domestic banking operations within the UK. Over 210,000 sq. ft. of Category A office space is spread across 11 storeys, accommodating over 2,500 people.
In addition to the office spaces, the location also dedicated two floors to the HSBC UK University, the bank's centre for learning and development in the UK. This includes a 110-seat lecture auditorium, conference facilities and team-building areas.
The building also houses industry-leading facilities to encourage an active workforce, including a gym with virtual classes and storage for 140 bikes and dedicated changing areas and drying rooms for those cycling to work.
The building features a reinforced concrete basement tiered over three levels, which provides parking space for over 100 cars, bicycle storage and some of the building's plant.
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£68 million construction cost
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210,000 sq. ft. office space
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Three-storey underground car park
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Accommodation of over 2,500 people
BWB's role
Comprehensive engineering solutions
We played an indispensable role in the development of the HSBC Headquarters at Arena Central, offering a comprehensive suite of professional engineering services. Our contributions encompassed structural and civil engineering design, detailed surveying, strategic demolition planning, as well as pivotal negotiations with Network Rail and local highway authorities. This multifaceted engagement was celebrated with a Commendation at the IStructE Midland Counties Regional Group Awards in 2017, underlining the excellence and impact of our work.
Negotiations and strategic planning
A cornerstone of our involvement was the intricate negotiations conducted with Network Rail to establish a consensus on the structural design needed to bridge over the Monument Lane rail tunnel. Our handling of these discussions ensured that the construction could advance without jeopardising the integrity of the existing tunnel infrastructure, a critical factor for the project's success.
Proactive approach
Furthermore, we spearheaded the highway negotiations, leveraging our deep understanding of civil engineering principles to affirm that the proposed construction activities would not adversely affect the surrounding highway structures. This proactive approach mitigated potential disruptions and safeguarded against additional expenditures and delays that could have arisen from unforeseen structural concerns.
Engineering excellence
Our engagement with the HSBC Headquarters project exemplified our commitment to delivering engineering excellence and strategic insight, enabling our client to proceed with confidence, free from the constraints of time or budgetary overruns.