Morgan Sindall has secured a contract to transform the former Pathé headquarters on Wardour Street in Soho as part of a major office refurbishment for Legal & General Property (LGP).

The development, which is a joint venture between LGP and Walbrook Land, will see the existing period building undergo an extensive refurbishment to deliver 33,000 sq ft of premium office space over the five upper floors of the building.

The property occupies a prominent corner position in the West End between Wardour Street and Meard Street. The ground floor comprises three retail units which will continue to trade through the refurbishment of the five office floors above.

Work on the site is due to commence in July and the development is due to complete in the first quarter of 2013.

Simon Wilkes, head of business space development at Legal & General Property, said: "We are excited by the prospect of refurbishing to deliver a high quality building in the heart of the West End, especially given the limited supply in this market and wide ranging appeal of its location, which will be further enhanced as a result of Crossrail. Having worked hard with our architects, the Council and local stakeholders, we feel confident that our redevelopment plans not only complement but exemplify the property’s existing surroundings."


On completion of the works, the new floor plates will range from 5,400 sq ft to 7,000 sq ft and will benefit from a triple aspect. The office space will be serviced by a new enlarged and prominent reception, with a high quality contemporary fit out.

Peter Jacobs, managing director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed as the principal contractor on this ambitious project. We are looking forward to working closely with Legal & General Property and Walbrook Land to deliver high-quality, contemporary office space in this famous and characterful area of London.

"Morgan Sindall has extensive experience of working in busy urban locations on commercial projects. Our appointment to this development builds on the success of the major office development at 6 Agar Street in Covent Garden which we are about to complete for Legal & General Property."

The architect for the project is EPR. DTZ and Edward Charles & Partners have been appointed as the joint letting agents for the office space.

(CD/GK)