UNISON Headquarters, Euston Road,  London



Architect
Squire & Partners
Date Built
2011
Location
Euston Road
Description
In 2011 Unison moved out of their 1970s tower block at 1 Mabledon Place across Euston Road to this new building.  In fact only part of this new headquarters is new because the site incorporates the Grade II listed Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital built in the 19th century.  Designed by Squire and Partners, the new office building wraps around the old hospital and the space between the two forms a courtyard with a glass roof.

Unison say that their aims for the new development were to:

- create a new office building for the union's staff, including a central atrium with a
   glazed roof

- restore the former Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital building, bringing it back to
   its full Victorian splendour

- build 47 apartments providing both affordable and private accommodation, including
   two storey and four storey mews houses

- create an exhibition space to commemorate the life and work of Elizabeth Garrett
  Anderson (the first woman to qualify as a physician in the UK)

The architect's website says that, "The design maximises the potential of the existing listed buildings, as well as providing a new, efficient office space for UNISON. The HQ gained planning consent in February 2008, and completed May of 2011. Squire and Partners was also commissioned to undertake the fitout for UNISON including the provision of TV/radio studios, press rooms, conference facilities, catering facilities and a large council debating chamber. The scheme achieves over 50% carbon reductions above Part L of the Building Regulations and the biomass boiler and photovoltaics will ensure that 20% of energy is from renewable sources. Upon completion UNISON achieved a score of 73.53% and was awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent.’ Squire and Partners' scheme has improved the existing townscape and the setting of the listed buildings, with animation at ground floor and street level providing a focus for the development, and enhancing the site's presence on the Euston Road and Churchway."









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