John F Hunt has been appointed as Principal Contractor for Hines new European Headquarters on Drury Lane.

The heritage lead redevelopment of Grain House will provide up to 11,500m2 of offices and commercial space over five upper floors, with retail and restaurant use at basement and ground level.

The island site, which is bounded by Drury Lane, Dryden Street, Shelton Street and Arne Street, is situated within the heart of London’s Covent Garden just 'a stone's throw' from the Royal Opera House.

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John F Hunt will undertake significant elements of cut and carve demolition, complex temporary works and structural alterations, including strengthening the retained façades of the 4 heritage buildings.

In conjunction with the demolition, Hunt’s structures team will carry out specialist restricted head room piling, construction of the new basement, a jump form 6-storey core and the installation of the new steel frame and floors.

Managing Director, Glen Clarke, said: "We are delighted to work on this highly complex and prestigious project on behalf of Hines. It involves many of the Group’s in-house resources and demonstrates the benefits of de-risking projects by combining complicated front-end packages."