127 Charing Cross Road building refurbishment dvelopment, Soho office space images, central London property

127 Charing Cross Road building refurb

21 May 2025

Architects: Barr Gazeta

Location: 127 Charing Cross Road, Soho, central London, England, UK.

Barr Gazetas reimagines West End building in Soho

Barr Gazetas has completed the refurbishment of 127 Charing Cross Road on behalf of Nomura and Lothbury Investment Management Limited. Comprising over 46,000 sq ft of office and retail space, the renewal sees a complete façade replacement and a 3-storey extension that increases the GEA by 47%.

Photos: Timothy Soar

127 Charing Cross Road Property Renewal

Situated in the West End, 127 Charing Cross Road sets a new standard for maximising office space in central London through a bold but sensitive refurbishment and extension of an existing office block. Less than a 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road tube station, the building will contribute to Soho’s vibrant and creative business ecosystem, as well as retaining retail use on the ground floor.

Barr Gazetas has carefully transformed an existing 1970s office building which required significant remodelling and was previously identified as having a negative impact on the character of the Soho Conservation Area. A major intervention involved the intricate process of replacing the main street façade to provide the building with the appropriate character and gravitas for its location for among other sizeable, refurbished buildings in its proximity.

The new façade features a timeless granite base and limestone cladding, distinguishing between the old and new with a stepped-back design where the extension sits. Green glazed terracotta panels are also introduced on the lower existing floors, framing four extensive glazed sections that add a sense of grandeur and rhythm to the active street.

The green hues of the external façade extend into the main reception area, where fluted green glazed lavastone creates a striking entrance for visitors. The spacious reception area features neutral-toned terrazzo and planters to provide a warm and inviting space.

Jon Eaglesham, Director at Barr Gazetas, said:
“127 Charing Cross Road is an example of how we can sustainably maximise office space in Central London, by both transforming our existing buildings and injecting new design to meet current market demands. This project has been exciting to be involved with at every stage, from the initial concept design to the interior finishes where we revisited the catalogue of the site’s first ever tenants to inspire the final colours, finishes, and branding of the refurbishment.”

Inspired by Alfred Goslett & Co furniture upholsterers

Barr Gazetas sensitively refurbished the building, ensuring the redevelopment nods to the site’s history. The colours, finishing and branding of the renewal were heavily inspired by the catalogue furniture upholsterers Alfred Goslett & Co who were the original tenants of 127 Charing Cross Road.

In addition to creating more office space for the area, the transformation delivers higher quality workspace for the occupiers, and an elegant new façade for Charing Cross Road. The project retained the existing concrete frame and basement structure while incorporating a new, larger core to support the extension. Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof further enhance sustainability. Barr Gazetas’ design significantly reduced operational and embodied carbon, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WiredScore ‘Gold’, ActiveScore ‘Platinum’ and SmartScore ‘Gold’.

Wellbeing in Soho Office Property Development

Wellbeing is supported throughout the development through design features such as expansive glazing ensuring high levels of natural light, to featuring terraces on all but one floor. The largest terrace is located on the roof, providing a communal outdoor space for tenants to socialise and enjoy exceptional views across the City.

Barr Gazetas has carefully designed the interior space to deliver optimal user experience throughout the building. The workspaces include openable windows to provide occupant control, while intelligent building technology has been incorporated into the design to allow SmartSpaces App to closely monitor and control the environment. End of trip facilities including cycling storage and changing rooms have also been integrated into the building basement to encourage healthy commuting.

The redevelopment of 127 Charing Cross Road offers prime office space for its occupiers, providing a sophisticated, welcoming, and healthy working environment while simultaneously benefiting the surrounding area and public through its significant visual transformation and innovative design.

Barr Gazetas

Architecture and interior design practice Barr Gazetas was established in 1993 and today works on award winning projects across the UK. It is a certified B-Corporation known for its progressive approach to design and placemaking, and its sensitive refurbishment of existing and historic buildings, Barr Gazetas puts people, sustainability, wellness, and the future, at the centre of every project.

Recent work includes the heritage-led refurbishment, Grainhouse, unifying five historic buildings in Covent Garden which has been awarded BCO Corporate Workplace Award; Fivefields, an impact-driven workspace for charities and social value organisations designed with neurodiversity as a key focus; Holbein Gardens, a redevelopment and extension of a 1980s building located off Sloane Square, which will achieve net zero operational carbon by 2030.

Tottenham Court Road Retail Units in London images and information received May 2025

Location: 127 Charing Cross Road, central London, England, UK