Grade II-listed building transformed into IKEA store and office space
BDP has unveiled images of its completed refurbishment of the former Topshop store on Oxford Circus.
The northwest quadrant of the iconic crossroads in London’s West End has been transformed into grade A office space and a new store for IKEA.
The grade II-listed building, 214 Oxford Circus, is among the most prominent in the capital’s shopping district and was the flagship store of Topshop until the fashion retailer closed in 2021 following the administration of its parent company Arcadia Group.
IKEA bought the site in October of that year and appointed BDP to turn the building’s seven floors into offices and a small inner-city store, a relatively new concept for the homewares brand, which has typically focused on huge out-of-town sheds for its stores.
BDP has acted as lead architect on the refurbishment from concept through to completion, providing design, interior design, landscape architecture, design management and lighting design.
The scheme saw the building stripped back to its frame with its services replaced or upgraded, including the addition of air-source heat pumps and secondary glazing on its facades.
Existing shop fronts on the ground floor have been refurbished, while the main entrance for the office space has been moved around the corner to 1 Great Portland Street, away from the shopping crowds on Oxford Street.
Two new roof gardens serving the office space have also been completed on the building’s roof with views over the West End and central London.
BDP head of retail and mixed-use Garry Wilding said: “This project demonstrates the power of incorporating a mix of uses into a thoughtful, adaptive reuse project.
“By blending contemporary design with the heritage of this Grade II listed building, we’ve created a series of distinct, vibrant spaces that meets the evolving needs of both modern retailers and office occupiers.”
The development is anticipated to achieve an EPC B rating with a 45% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the site pre-refurbishment. It is expected to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, Wired Score Platinum, and WELL Gold.
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