Aldgate Place Phase 2

Block A (3 New Drum Street) provides 19,000 sq. ft of commercial facilities and 8,000 sq. ft of retail shell and core space across 7-storeys, while Block B (Alma) provides 109,000 sq. ft of residential space, including 159 BTR apartments, across 26-storeys.

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McLaren worked with the client, British Land, to deliver a design which included a comprehensive upgrade to the public realm with increased biodiversity and a focus on health and wellbeing. Amenity space included a gym, residents lounge, and reading areas. Works also included external landscaped space to the roof of Block A and public realm at street level, structural alterations, and basement 

Insulating British Land from market volatility

Taking over the project after the first phase of construction, McLaren insulated British Land from both market volatility and structural risks. British Land used McLaren’s experience in delivering premium build-to-rent developments to shape the design.

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McLaren took advantage of an extended Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to make preparations with suppliers and third parties that saved time and money during the construction phase. The team showed foresight in pre-ordering materials and took advantage of their first-mover status in doing so.

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McLaren used its digital construction expertise to align the project with the emerging Building Safety Bill and then guided the design team in adjusting to new regulations. Our input resulted in a more attractive and durable product and one that promises reduced voids, a better gross-to-rent margin and long-term competitiveness.

Building on our experience as a Build-to-Rent contractor

British Land recognised McLaren’s experience as a build-to-rent contractor for Quintain and Argent, making us one of the few contractors delivering build-to-rent at the target price point. McLaren was a trusted partner in a sector outside British Land’s comfort zone.

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McLaren passed on lessons from previous developments:

·        Encouraging friendships between tenants, benefitting retention and reducing voids.

·        Most productive use of space and premium specification

·        Under-use of on-site amenities, such as bars and gyms

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McLaren worked with British Land and Foxtons to appraise target markets and reference projects, arranging visits to build-to-rent developments to create a pallet of potential designs and specifications.

Working in a logistically challenging location

Key project challenges included:

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·        TfL interface (three TfL routes and re-location of pedestrian crossing)

·        Existing single basement, with structural alterations

·        Risk mitigation (including 2 year warranty to be provided by McLaren for the existing structure on completion)

At completion, Aldgate Place became the 27th project delivered by McLaren on behalf of British Land during a 13-year partnership of projects that has included retail parks, industrial, offices, shopping centres and leisure developments, such as: Crystal House, 54 The Broadway, Ealing, and March Arch House, London.