9 Millbank

9 Millbank is a complex part new build and part re-furbishment project that provides 176 stunning new apartments in former office space at this prestigious Westminster location. The office building being re-purposed was formerly known as Imperial Chemical House and was the headquarters for ICI. The building was designed by Sir Frank Baines and constructed between 1927 and 1929. Sites to be refurbished that hold this much historical context and development always require a great deal of research beforehand to gain the full understanding of the potential implications before proceeding. Through very detailed archive searches we located key pieces of information which greatly unlocked project value. Structural alterations were needed to make way for a luxury business and leisure suite in the basement, including a new swimming pool. Its position was carefully considered to avoid major remedial works to underpin existing foundations. The new build element of the project is on part of the site formerly occupied by Westminster Power Station. Whilst the previous engineer’s scheme had recommended the full demolition and removal of the existing basement structure including a raft foundation up to 5m thickness. Walsh justified the reuse of the existing raft which has been hugely beneficial to the project in terms of cost savings and programme.