Last week, Virgin proudly celebrated the opening of their new London headquarters at the historic Whitfield Studios, centrally located in London. Once famous as one of London’s most iconic recording studios, Whitfield Studios played host to Virgin Records artists such as The Rolling Stones, Madonna, the Spice Girls, and Elton John. The site, now transformed into a dynamic, four-story, 24,000 sq.ft. workspace, underwent extensive renovations to accommodate Virgin’s 400 employees while showcasing the company’s unique brand identity.
MESH Construction Consultancy, serving as the Lead Cost Consultant, advised Virgin on how to maximise and repurpose the space efficiently. This project involved significant structural work, including piling and underpinning to strengthen the existing building and repurpose the basement space. The design retained the studio’s industrial aesthetic, blending it effortlessly with Virgin’s signature brand which complement the Cat A / B fit-out.
Externally, the building was enhanced with a welcoming entrance and an inviting outdoor area, providing a tranquil workspace in the heart of London and fulfilling Virgin’s vision of creating a “home away from home” atmosphere for their staff.
With Storey overseeing project management and White Red Architects providing detailed designs, MESH was able to provide provide robust budgets and cost advice. Despite some unexpected challenges with the building’s original structure, these issues were tackled in the Early Works phase, ensuring a solid foundation for the project’s successful completion by BW: Workplace Experts.
“We would like to thank MESH for all their help and support in delivering our new head office, Whitfield Studios. The building presented challenges and threw up countless changes, but the diligent oversight and reporting from Chris and the team really helped keep the project finances on track, and importantly on budget! Very much appreciated by us at Virgin, great work!”
Oliver Shaw
Commercial Manager
“It was great being part of the professional team that delivered this project over the last couple of years. I love seeing RIBA Stage 2 turn into a finished product, where all the hard work pays off.
Virgin have an amazing new home, in a great location!”
Christopher Nelson
Associate
Click here to view the project profile.
Client: Virgin Management Limited
Contractor: BW: Workplace Experts
Project Manager: Storey
Architects: White Red Architects
MEP Consultant: GDM
Structural Engineers: London Structures Lab
QS: MESH Construction Consultancy
Photos provided by Retief | WhiteRed