GPE secures approval for retrofit-led office scheme St Thomas Yard

Great Portland Estates (GPE) has received a resolution to grant planning permission from Southwark Council for the redevelopment of St Thomas Yard, a prominent office site located adjacent to London Bridge Station in central London.

The project, previously known as New City Court, will see the transformation of an under-used 1980s building into an 11-storey sustainable office development, significantly increasing the total net area from around 100,000 sq ft to 190,000 sq ft.

Designed by architects Orms, the scheme follows a retrofit-first approach that aims to retain and re-use the building’s existing primary structure. This strategy is intended to reduce embodied carbon and construction waste, while incorporating salvaged materials where feasible. Five additional storeys will be added, and the building will feature extensive landscaped roof terraces and balconies.

As part of the wider redevelopment, the listed Georgian terrace fronting St Thomas Street and the façade of Keats House will be refurbished. GPE also plans to enhance the public realm and biodiversity through increased planting and new landscaping, aligning with the project's sustainability goals.

Speaking about the scheme, Simon Whittaker, Director at Orms, said: "St Thomas Yard is a significant project set to revitalise an under-used site across the road from the major transport hub at London Bridge Station. Our scheme adds to what already exists on the site, re-using all of the concrete frame of the current building to deliver high-quality office accommodation, refurbishing a terrace of Georgian Town Houses to provide affordable workspace, and making significant improvements to the streetscape and greenery of the local area."

The development will also aim to meet the needs of modern occupiers through adaptable office space designed for a wide range of future tenants. According to GPE, the vision is to create a best-in-class workspace that reflects the changing demands of the London office market, while setting new benchmarks for sustainability and architectural quality.

James Shipton, Senior Development Manager at GPE, commented: "We are delighted to have secured Southwark Council’s Planning Committee’s resolution to grant planning permission for this transformative re-use project, which reflects our confidence in the strength of the London office market and extends GPE’s investment in this prime location, following our successful projects at The Delft and Woolyard. Our vision is to create a best-in-class workspace that not only meets the needs of today’s businesses but also sets new standards in sustainability, design and customer experience."

The project is expected to begin construction in summer 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2028. project partners include project manager Gardiner & Theobald and architect Orms Designers & Architects.