Revitalising an iconic building from the outside in

The challenge

St Helen’s Tower, built in 1969 and once considered iconic, had become dwarfed by the City skyscrapers surrounding it. Recognising its potential, Aviva opened an architectural competition to transform the building – improving its street presence, whilst supporting Aviva’s brand and business needs.

Having won the competition, TTSP’s real challenge was to deliver all of this in a complex technical environment, while business as usual was maintained.

The approach

The first view of any building is from the street, and so the initial priority was to refurbish the ground floor to transform first impressions. Our architects designed a double-storey, glazed facade that truly brings the outside city environment into the revamped reception – linking the two and creating a welcoming, light-filled space. New subterranean spaces were created, taking visitors down two further levels to meeting and entertaining spaces, including a huge 300-seat auditorium that sits quietly below the busy piazza above.

The result

St Helen’s Tower is now a truly transformed building that sits at home alongside its newer (and taller) neighbours. TTSP has created stunning, light-filled spaces that are the embodiment of the Aviva brand – positively contributing to the area, providing an environment that staff can feel duly proud of and that visitors can enjoy.

 

  • Sector:Commercial
  • Cllient:Aviva plc
  • Construction Value:£25 Million
  • Form of Contract:Design & Build
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“This is what transformation looks and feels like.”

Mark Wilson, CEO, Aviva