POWERCLAD^® Scaffold & containment sheeting

Powerclad facilitates transformation of historic Whitehall building

ITP’s Powerclad Standard Flame Retardant scaffold sheeting is being used to facilitate the transformation of London’s iconic Old War Office site into a world-class luxury hotel and apartment complex.

The former Ministry of Defence building in Whitehall is undergoing a sensitive restoration to create a 125-room Raffles hotel alongside 85 luxury residences which range in size from studios up to five-bedroom apartments. Structural proposals have been developed to take advantage of the opportunities that the site offers without detriment to the historic fabric, introducing new basements beneath the existing courtyards.

The refurbishment and conversion will involve 760,000 square feet of space including a mix of one to three new storeys constructed above the original roof and four storeys of new basement below the existing two storey basement.

The scheme incorporates new build elements to complement the original features, including the construction of a new reversible pavilion structure within the Old War Office quadrangle, extending the use of the existing restaurant to provide additional seating, bar space and other ancillary restaurant functions. Due for completion in December 2022, the development also includes the reinstatement of a cobble pattern layout within the quadrangle along with new services infrastructure, installation of a reversible water feature, installation of a sesame lift and associated works.

Powerclad Standard Flame Retardant scaffold sheeting has been used to perform high-performance weather protection and containment during ongoing development work. ITP used our In-house design and print facilities to supply the sheeting with printed branding throughout. The product meets BS 7955 and has received TS 62 / TS 63 accreditation for fire retardancy, achieved through rigorous independent testing which goes far beyond minimum standards of compliance.

Originally built in 1906, the historic Grade II listed building served as the office of political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener and Herbert Asquith. It was acquired in 2016 by the Hinduja Group and Obrascón Huarte Lain Desarrollos.

ITP Account Manager, Seb Carrick, said:

“We are delighted to assist in the delivery of this stunning project which will create an exceptional mix of residential and leisure space in Central London while retaining the historic character of the original building. It is the latest landmark development to feature our scaffold sheeting, chosen by major contractors due to its all-round performance encompassing strength, durability and fire retardancy.”