Buro Happold has begun a fresh chapter in its founding city, moving from Camden Mill after 38 years to new premises at Pinesgate. The timing coincides with the practice's 50th anniversary, underlining its enduring connection to Bath and long-term commitment to the area.

As a major player in the regional STEM economy, remaining in Bath was a clear priority. The objective was to consolidate roughly 600 colleagues into one workplace, and the Pinesgate site offered a rare opportunity to deliver a sustainability-first, low‑carbon commercial retrofit in the heart of the city.

Working with architect AWW and landlord Watkin Property Ventures, the firm is undertaking a back‑to‑frame refurbishment of Pinesgate West that retains the existing concrete structure and adds a new high‑performance façade. The refurbished building is targeting WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent (with an ambition for Outstanding), and net zero carbon in operation.

All‑electric systems, supplemented by rooftop renewable generation, will substantially reduce operational carbon, while a reuse‑first approach minimises the embodied carbon typically associated with new construction.

The transformation of Pinesgate West reflects the sustainability principles Buro Happold promotes globally. Once complete, the Bath office will function as a living demonstrator of low‑energy, high‑performance refurbishment, showcasing what can be achieved with existing commercial stock.

During the refurbishment, Buro Happold is based in interim space at Pinesgate East. Interventions here have been designed to cut embodied carbon and waste, following a strong circularity ethos: furniture has been reused from Camden Mill wherever possible, with surplus donated to local schools and charities. Salvaged IT cabling and A‑grade reuse carpet—due to be returned to the supplier for future reuse—feature in the creative, low‑carbon fit‑out.

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The approach at both Pinesgate West and East builds on the practice's long-standing commitment to "touching the earth lightly". Founded in 1976 by engineering visionary Sir Edmund 'Ted' Happold, then Professor of Architecture and Engineering Design at the University of Bath, the company began as a seven‑person start‑up in a small townhouse in central Bath and has grown into a leading global consultancy with 3,700 employees across 37 locations worldwide.

Bath has remained central to the practice's work, with projects of regional, national and international significance delivered from the city. Local highlights include Bath Abbey Footprint, Bath Theatre Royal, Aerospace Bristol, the award‑winning EQ building, and major regeneration at Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. Nationally, Buro Happold has worked on the London Olympic Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Millennium Dome and O2 Arena, and Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium. International icons include the Grand Egyptian Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Buro Happold expects to move into the completed Pinesgate West building during 2027.

Phil Lines, Bath Office Director at Buro Happold, said: "After nearly four decades at Camden Mill, this move marks an incredibly exciting moment for us – and it feels fitting that it comes in our 50th year. Bath is where Buro Happold began and it remains central to everything we do. Pinesgate West will bring our people together in a space that truly reflects who we are and what we stand for as environmental leaders, while deepening our connection to the city as we look ahead to the next 50 years."

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive of Watkin Property Ventures, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Buro Happold as it begins this important new chapter in Bath. Pinesgate is a significant building in the heart of the city, and this investment reflects our shared belief in the value of high-quality, sustainable workspace that meets the needs of leading businesses for the future."

Duncan Taylor, Director and Architect at AWW, said: "The refurbishment of Pinesgate West for Watkin Property Ventures embodies our retrofit-first approach, striking the right balance between reuse and renewal. By transforming an outdated office building into a modern workspace, we will be dramatically improving its energy while reimagining its external identity and refreshing the external appearance to feel considered, contemporary, and confident. The result is a workplace ready for the future, and a unique new home for Buro Happold."

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this move is going ahead. It's exactly the outcome we hoped for. Buro Happold was looking for a new, sustainable headquarters in their home city of Bath and we're very pleased that their search has been successful; to have lost such an important organisation would have been a terrible outcome for the city and our wider economy.

"Our planning department worked closely with the landlord throughout the planning process to ensure a timely approval for what will be a flagship, low-carbon headquarters in their home city. It will be a shining example of how existing buildings can be transformed while supporting high-quality jobs and innovation. It also reflects the council's focus on supporting greener businesses and demonstrates how Bath and North East Somerset, on so many levels, can lead the way in delivering economic prosperity alongside meaningful climate action."