14 Jul 2021
Frasers Property UK, a fully integrated developer, investor and asset manager of residential and commercial property in the UK, today launched The Rowe, a new 162,000 sq. ft. architecturally designed office development in the heart of vibrant Whitechapel, London.
Marking a new foray within its commercial portfolio, The Rowe is Frasers Property’s first urban office development in the UK. It brings the conservation and transformation of an architectural landmark effectively melding the old and new.
Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2022, The Rowe is well positioned between the City of London and the energetic and vibrant tech belt of Shoreditch. The 12-storey building, with its prime city location, has been designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) for visual impact and its interior spaces created with a focus on providing occupiers with choice amenities and features in a bright, modern workspace.
With ESG principles underpinning every aspect and embedded from plan to build, the building is targeting WELL gold certification and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. Furthermore, The Rowe runs on 100% renewable electricity and provides a 45% carbon emission reduction compared to a standard office building. It has already been awarded a Platinum WiredScore rating for its digital connectivity and smart technology principles and is aiming for a Platinum SmartScore for its smart building initiatives, providing tenants with an innovative, dynamic and future-proofed workspace. Built into the fabric of The Rowe is a technological foundation that will have direct benefits to tenants' experience in health and wellbeing; sustainability; arrival experience; amenity and community services; and cybersecurity.
Originally serving as home to what is now London Metropolitan University’s School of Art, Architecture and Design, The Rowe blends a striking balance of contrasts. As part of this transformation from a place of creativity to modern office space, the existing six-storey concrete frame building is being carefully redeveloped and restored. Retaining its 1960s modernist façade as a firm and historical foundation, The Rowe includes the new eye-catching glass, steel and concrete six-storey extension that doubles its space and presence.
Linking the old and new and injecting colour and contrast into the monochromatic building aesthetic is a mid-point balcony and terrace wrapped with a bold tile installation designed by celebrated visual artist Yinka Ilori M.B.E. A graduate of the School of Art, Architecture and Design, Ilori’s contemporary design is inspired by Whitechapel’s rich industrial history in silk-weaving and reflects his own personal and emotional connections with the local area.
Internally, The Rowe has been entirely redeveloped to offer highly flexible, modern and quality office space – interior spaces make reference to the Future of Workplace designed for easy adaptability to the ‘new normal’ ways of working, which meets both individual occupier needs and features collaborative open places for co-working. At the building’s base, a café and ground floor retail space provide space for local businesses that occupiers can enjoy.
The extensive outside space at The Rowe incorporates biophilic design to enhance the occupier experience – The Rowe features over 17,000 sq. ft. of terraces with outdoor space on each floor and an exceptional communal roof garden, that will be open all year round.
Situated between the City and the gateway to the historic and diverse East End of London, The Rowe is in close proximity to key city transport links – Aldgate East tube station is close by, and it is located next to the Cycle Superhighway 2 – and building facilities will include ‘end-of-trip’ features such as 284 cycle spaces, showers and lockers.
JLL, Compton and Colliers as the letting agents are confident that The Rowe is set to be a new destination with appeal to high growth, innovative businesses looking for a central location to suit their changing post-pandemic office needs.
Commenting at the launch, Frasers Property UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Ilaria del Beato said: “The Rowe represents a significant milestone in our strategic plan to maximise our commercial asset potential and grow our UK portfolio. Drawing on our extensive development experience and knowledge of occupier needs and demand, The Rowe will be a true standout in London providing an exceptional and modern workspace.
“With this development, we chose to reinvigorate this iconic building, reimagining, recreating, and expanding its purpose and lifespan in a way that respectfully celebrates its heritage. We look forward to adding to this local landmark and welcoming occupiers next year.”
The Rowe project is led by Frasers Property UK working in partnership with AHMM and construction firm BAM. Burnley Wilson Fish is the project quantity surveyor and contract administrator, structural engineer is the Robert Bird Group and services engineering is via Sweco UK Ltd.
Colliers, Compton and JLL are representing Frasers Property UK.
For further project information, please visit: therowe.london