Collaboration Key to Sir Robert McAlpine Broadgate Success
Established in March 2016, the Broadgate Framework agreement between major property development and investment firm, British Land, and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) focuses on six landmark projects in UK construction.
Sir Robert McAlpine has served as the main contractor to deliver the partners’ vision to transform the London area of Broadgate into a world-class destination for retail, leisure and commercial use, where visitors can work, shop, dine and drink.
- 1 Finsbury Avenue: Offers workspace, leisure and retail, art, an atrium and roof terrace.
- 3 Broadgate: Also known as the Pavilion, it functions as a pedestrian hub, marketing suite for the Broadgate campus and includes a ground-floor coffee shop.
- 135 Bishopsgate: Features a number of restaurants, office space and a rooftop terrace.
- 100 Liverpool Street: A flagship, net-zero carbon space including workspaces, retail destinations and a rooftop restaurant.
- 1 Broadgate: Consists of lower-level retail, dining and leisure space.
- 2 Finsbury Avenue: Currently under construction with completion slated for 2027, it will offer “The Canopy”, a winter garden, public green spaces, retail areas and terraces.
Sir Robert McAlpine were chosen based on their team, methodology and commercial offer
A long-term collaboration
A major UK construction, Sir Robert McAlpine served as the sole contractor for the 10-year framework, selected for its abilities to capitalise on collaborative opportunities with the joint venture and provide input from the early stages.
Sir Robert McAlpine also made commercial savings and engaged with the local community as well as other stakeholders, keeping the likes of local businesses and transport providers updated on developments, via official communication.
“Sir Robert McAlpine were chosen based on their team, methodology and commercial offer,” says Charles Horne, Project Director at British Land.
“I can say without hesitation that Sir Robert McAlpine is a long-term partner of British Land on other projects, not just on this one.”
Delivering sustainable construction
The project has also served as an opportunity for Sir Robert McAlpine to display its commitment to sustainable construction practices through managing emissions and contributing to the local community’s legacy.
The company helped British Land deliver its first net-zero carbon building, 100 Liverpool Street, which also achieved Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Outstanding, the highest award from the globally recognised rating scheme.
It is also on track to receive a WELL accreditation, acknowledging the building’s well-being and sustainability credentials.
The eco-friendly building is up and running as a new destination of offices, restaurants and shops.
Learning through collaboration
Discussing the ingredients for a successful, long-term partnership at the recent London Real Estate Forum, topics such as a genuine one-team approach, collaboration and innovation took centre stage.
Sir Robert McAlpine underlines an integrated approach as well as strong leadership as helping make the Framework significant, and providing lessons and innovations that could be shared in following projects.
The company highlights 2 Finsbury Avenue and 1 Broadgate as examples of the successes of an integrated approach, with the former benefitting from the continuity established across prior Broadgate schemes, partners who engaged early and teams working in a highly integrated environment.
Topics raised also included digital construction, continuous learning and lessons learnt throughout the Broadgate project allowing the broader industry insight into various aspects of the project.
Sir Robert McAlpine’s key partners:
British Land
British Land and its partner GIC signed the framework agreement with Sir Robert McAlpine in 2016 to redevelop the Broadgate campus.
GIC (Singapore's sovereign wealth fund)
The 1 Broadgate redevelopment is the fifth project McAlpine has delivered under the framework with British Land and GIC.
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM)
The replacement building at 1 Broadgate was designed by AHMM with structural engineer Akt II. These are project-level design partners rather than parties to the framework itself.
