Aukett Swanke office project wins two 'prestigious' award

Aukett Swanke announced on Wednesday that Verde SW1, the building completed for Tishman Speyer in London's Victoria earlier this year, has won awards for ‘best office development’ and ‘best office architecture’ at the UK Property Awards at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel.

The AIM-traded company said Verde SW1 has 282,000square feet of grade 'A' office space, featuring a “dramatic” triple height reception, roof gardens totalling 20,000 square feet and a dedicated cycle access ramp.

That all reportedly contributed to the success in letting the building with occupancy approaching 90%, and tenants including Dimension Data, Pret a Manger and Waitrose.

The level of demand was described by the board as “evidence” of the design excellence and commercial appeal of the building.

It said the building, which was redeveloped from the former Eland House, retained 80% of the existing structure and saved 11,600 tonnes of carbon in development.

Those characteristics, along with the building's BREEAM 'excellent' rating, lent the development “excellent” environmental credentials, the board added, which also increased its appeal to potential occupiers.

“It gives us enormous pleasure to report on the plaudits from our peers for the work being produced within our studio for yet another major building in the West End, this time for Tishman Speyer,” said Aukett Swanke group CEO Nicholas Thompson.

“Its appeal to occupiers follows in the footsteps of another recent completion with the Adelphi Building for Blackstone having achieved 100 % occupancy just over one month ago.”

Dan Nicholson, managing director of Tishman Speyer UK, said the company was “absolutely delighted” that Verde SW1 had won two “prestigious” awards.

“This accolade is recognition of the role Verde SW1 is playing in transforming Victoria.

“The building continues to attract tenants and we recently announced two new leases with Dimension Data and TP ICAP, bringing occupancy in the building to 86%.”