Faithdean Appointed to Deliver 98,000 sq ft Mercury Office Refurbishment in Midtown London

Faithdean has been appointed as main contractor to deliver the refurbishment of Mercury, a prominent 1950s office building located on Theobalds Road in Midtown London.

The project represents a significant investment in the London office market and will transform the existing building into approximately 98,000 sq ft of design-led sustainable workspace, combining modern workplace requirements with the retention of key heritage features.

Planning permission for the scheme was secured in late 2024, with construction activity now progressing ahead of a targeted completion in late 2027.

Project Overview

Originally designed by Stanley Gordon Jeeves in the 1950s, Mercury is being reimagined by Orms Architects in collaboration with Note Design Studio.

The refurbishment will deliver:

• Approximately 98,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation

• 11 refurbished floors of flexible workspace

• New public café at ground floor level

• Enhanced public realm improvements

• Six-storey central atrium

• Roof pavilion and terrace

• Sunken courtyard lounge

• Gym and cycle facilities

• Landscaped external spaces

The scheme has been designed to respond to evolving workplace requirements, placing emphasis on flexibility, occupier wellbeing, natural light and collaboration spaces.

Sustainability Strategy

A key feature of the project is its circular economy approach, with significant retention and re-use of the existing building fabric.

The sustainability strategy includes:

• Retention of approximately 90% of the existing structural frame

• Retention of approximately 80% of the original stone façade

• Removal of low-quality 1990s additions

• Restoration of the building’s original architectural character

• Mixed-mode ventilation through opening windows

• Enhanced environmental performance throughout

The project demonstrates the growing trend towards deep refurbishment and retrofit as occupiers and developers seek to reduce embodied carbon while upgrading existing assets.

Delivery Team

Developer: Mercury Development Team

Main Contractor: Faithdean

Architect: Orms Architects

Interior Design: Note Design Studio

Leasing Agents:

• Cushman & Wakefield

• Farebrother

• Levy Real Estate

Location:

Theobalds Road, Midtown, London

Strategic Context

The appointment of Faithdean represents a positive signal for London’s office market, with developers continuing to invest in high-quality, sustainability-led refurbishment projects despite wider market challenges.

Rather than pursuing demolition and redevelopment, the project focuses on retaining and enhancing an existing building, reflecting growing demand for lower-carbon office solutions in central London.

The scheme also responds to changing occupier requirements, with flexible floorplates, collaborative spaces and extensive amenity provision becoming increasingly important in attracting tenants back into office environments.

ConstructNet Opportunity Analysis

With Faithdean now appointed and delivery underway, the project provides visibility of future supply chain opportunities across a range of refurbishment and fit-out disciplines.

Potential opportunities may include:

• Strip-out and enabling works

• Structural alterations

• Façade restoration

• Roofing works

• Mechanical and electrical installations

• Fire protection systems

• Lift modernisation

• Internal fit-out packages

• Flooring and finishes

• Landscaping and public realm works

• Building materials supply

• Plant hire

• Waste management and recycling services

Given the project’s emphasis on refurbishment, sustainability and heritage retention, opportunities are likely to arise for specialist contractors experienced in complex retrofit and city-centre office projects.

Key Contact Information

Main Contractor:

Faithdean

Architect:

Orms Architects

Location:

Mercury, Theobalds Road, Midtown, London

Programme:

Construction Underway

Target Completion: Late 2027

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