McLaren Construction has been appointed to build new UK headquarters (HQ) for engineering consultancy Dar Group in Holborn.

Work on the nine-storey 150 Holborn building, featuring retail units on the ground floor and a neighbouring residential block containing 13 apartments, is due to begin in December.

Designed by architects Perkins & Will, the 185,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme will replace the current 1980's office block and provide space for a number of companies under the Dar Group including Dar, Perkins + Will, Currie & Brown, Elementa, IPA Advisory, Penspen and Maffeis.

Made up of glass reinforced concrete to complete similar concrete materials visible in the area, internally the building will feature a central entrance lobby which includes a street facing café, exhibition and reception space, an atrium with feature staircase and sweeping roof pavilion with roof gardens. The project will also target a BREEAM 'Outstanding' rating, LEED Platinum and SKA Gold.

-- Advertisement --

Contractor John F Hunt will commence demolition works in August, with overall project completion set for late 2020.

David Miller, Regional Managing Director, McLaren Construction London, said: "We are delighted to have been selected by Dar Group for this prestigious project. This appointment celebrates the strategic growth for the McLaren London region and we are confident that our strong experience within the commercial sector will result in this project having a very successful outcome for all stakeholders."

Andrew Loudon, UK MD for Dar, said: "Our new HQ in Holborn is a demonstration of commitment to the UK and we are excited about work starting on site in a matter of months. We are also very pleased to announce the appointments of McLaren Construction and John F Hunt.

"We are looking forward to overseeing the project and contributing to this dynamic, exciting and changing area of London. London and the UK is a key area of our business in supporting our global clients and are actively pursuing a number of opportunities to further grow our business."

(LM/MH)