The firm, which also confirmed it was close to finalising its \u00a350m purchase of a 50% stake in contractor JRL Group, said the refurbishment work would commence immediately, with completion expected within 36 months.<\/p>\n
IJM bought the historic building lease with planning permission for the overhaul that Ardmore Construction Group is understood to be on board to deliver.<\/p>\n
Recognised as one of the most significant interventions into a Grade II listed building ever approved by the City of London, the planned building upgrade introduces a sustainability-focused refurbishment and a two-floor extension.<\/p>\n This will increase the building\u2019s total footprint by 26%, from 300,000 sq ft to 378,000 sq ft of gross internal area.<\/p>\n Led by architect Carmody Groarke, the redevelopment targets industry-leading ESG certifications including BREEAM \u2018Outstanding\u2019, WELL \u2018Platinum\u2019, EPC \u2018A\u2019, NABERS 4 Star, and WiredScore \u2018Platinum\u2019, alongside achieving net-zero carbon in operation.<\/p>\n Dato\u2019 Lee Chun Fai, IJM\u2019s Group CEO, said: \u201cThe acquisition and redevelopment of Finsbury Circus strengthens IJM\u2019s presence in the UK, reflecting our confidence in its long-term property sector as London\u2019s financial district continues to evolve as a global hub for finance, commerce, and technology.<\/p>\n \u201cThis investment presents a rare opportunity to revitalise a historic landmark while delivering a modern, high-performance workspace tailored to the needs of global businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: \u201cAlongside our JRL investment and growing UK portfolio\u2014including Royal Mint Gardens, our Innova-Network Rail partnership, and The Wheat Quarter\u2014this investment bolsters our footprint in the UK\u2019s dynamic real estate market while supporting our long-term growth ambitions.\u201d<\/p>\n A new underfloor air distribution system will improve energy efficiency, while heat pumps, energy-efficient lifts, and LED lighting will halve operational emissions compared to pre-refurbishment levels.<\/p>\n Reworked building with 2-floor roof extension<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The redevelopment also integrates 955 sq m of modular green walls and 675 sqm of Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) blue roof space, enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management and climate resilience.<\/p>\n Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and sourcing electricity through a green tariff further reinforces the project\u2019s sustainability commitments.<\/p>\n Additionally, off-site modular construction will minimise waste and support future deconstruction under a circular economy framework.<\/p>\n Existing structural columns are being strengthened rather than replaced, and a lightweight structural solution for the extension eliminates the need for foundation reinforcement, lowering environmental impact.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n![\"-\"](\"https:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-03-13-at-07.03.40.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHistoric building green upgrade plan<\/h3>\n
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