THELONDONERHOTEL.
THE DEEPEST HABITABLE GRADE COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN THE WORLD.
CLIENT: EDWARDIAN HOTELS
STATUS: COMPLETE
LOCATION: LEICESTER SQUARE
Located in the heart of Leicester Square with a footfall of over 35 million, McGee delivered an integrated solution for Edwardian Hotels London’s newest development.
To secure the long-term future of the building and gain the most value from the project, two new two-storey basements were created on either side of the iconic arch. In doing so, we created an additional 2,900m2 of extra space ready to be transformed into a ballroom and spa.
Subterranean Development: The project involved excavating the deepest commercial basement in London, presenting typical challenges such as ground movement risks, groundwater ingress, and limited working space. Despite these complexities, meticulous planning and advanced construction techniques were employed to mitigate risks and ensure safety.
Logistical Operations: With the site bounded by roads and measuring less than 50m by 50m, efficient earth removal was essential. We executed a meticulously coordinated operation, utilising our own fleet of safety-enhanced tippers and advanced vehicle management technology to remove 75,000m3 of London clay, equivalent to 26 Olympic swimming pools.
Third-Party Assets Management: The project site’s proximity to critical third-party assets, including Thames Water pipes and a UK Power Network’s electric supply, required careful coordination and monitoring. Installation of the basement wall in close proximity to the power network asset highlighted the project’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Installation of Steel Trusses: Transporting and installing six massive steel trusses, each weighing 55 tons and as long as two double-decker buses, posed a significant logistical challenge. Despite the complexities of maneuvering within a bustling city, meticulous planning and the use of a 750-tonne mobile crane facilitated the precise placement of the trusses, ensuring structural integrity.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: ARUP
PROJECT MANAGERS: BLUE SKY BUILDING
Despite operating within a constrained site and facing numerous logistical hurdles, innovative solutions and meticulous planning ensured the project’s success.