Kier has been appointed by King’s College London to deliver the redevelopment of its Bush House South West Wing, a landmark project that marks a major step in the university’s expansion and long-term estate masterplan.
Located in the heart of the Strand Campus on the north bank of the River Thames, the 13,000 sqm scheme will see the eight-storey building and basement transformed, as well as a new communal space, also known as an Agora, and atrium roof constructed within the existing courtyard.
Key features include state-of-the-art teaching, social and event spaces, modern catering areas, dedicated student services and a central student hub, each designed to enhance student experience and meet the evolving needs of the university.
Designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the scheme will aim to set a new benchmark in sustainable redevelopment in the higher education sector. It is targeting the highest Passivhaus EnerPHit standards, with an ambitious goal to achieve an embodied carbon score of less than 350kgCO₂e/m². In addition, the project aims to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and meet WELL ‘Platinum’ Building Standards.
The scheme will be delivered through Kier’s 360 approach, working alongside its in-house design and mechanical and electrical teams to help drive operational value on the scheme.
The project is part of King’s College London’s ‘Strategy 2026’ and ‘2029 Strategic Vision’ to consolidate its status as one of the top 25 universities in the world. It represents a significant step in uniting two prime central London locations - the Aldwych and the university’s historic Strand Campus.
David Rowsell, managing director, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, said: "We’re proud to be partnering with King’s College London on the transformation of its Bush House South West Wing into a world-leading education and learning hub.
“The prestigious landmark scheme on the university’s historic Strand Campus marks a major milestone for our private sector team. By applying some of the latest construction techniques, we’re striving to deliver the most sustainable building in higher education. It’s the latest example how Kier’s 360 approach and end-to-end technical expertise is helping deliver complex retrofit, refurbishment and schemes within challenging inner-city environments."
Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President of King's College London, added: "The redevelopment of Bush House South West Wing has been designed with the student and staff experience at its core, providing a welcoming, adaptive and innovative space for teaching, learning and socialising. By aligning with our sustainable design and construction framework, the project also supports our aim to reduce environmental impact across the full lifecycle of our buildings - from construction through to occupancy."
This latest appointment for Kier further strengthens the company's position as a leading provider of major projects in the London and Thames Valley region. Other projects include Manbre Wharf, a new state-of-the-art home for life science organisations in the UK at the Advanced Research Clusters (ARC); The Fitzrovia, a 110,000 sq ft mixed-use building on Tottenham Court Road; and Holden House, a sustainable commercial development with retained façade in the heart of Fitzrovia
