The Acre, Northwood Investors’ flagship commercial scheme in the UK, has been unveiled following the extensive refurbishment of the Richard Seifert-designed 1980s office building at 90 Long Acre in Covent Garden.
The 260,000 sq ft project has retained over 80% of the original structure, becoming an exemplar of sustainability in central London. Compared to a new build scheme, the approach taken has reduced embodied carbon of the structures and facade by up to 50%, saving 4,850 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the lifetime emissions of nearly 1,000 UK citizens.
Designed by global workplace design experts Gensler and leading sustainability engineers Arup, and delivered by development manager Platform, The Acre aims to meet stringent sustainability and wellness targets. These include a 4.5* NABERS UK rating, BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL ‘Platinum’, and Fitwel 3*.
At the end of 2024, Northwood Investors announced that the British Standards Institution (BSI) had committed to 29,000 sq ft across the top two floors. The global business improvement and standards company, appointed by the UK Government as the National Standards Body, cited The Acre’s sustainability credentials as a key consideration of its decision.
The project has seen the addition of 12,000 sq ft of biodiverse roof terraces, the introduction of air-conditioning via Artus fan coil units – a technology developed by Arup that uses 80% less power than traditional units – and openable windows installed throughout the building as part of its passive design strategy.
Energy efficiency interventions have reduced operational energy use in the building by over 70%. It is all-electric and net zero in operation, with energy supplied from fully renewable sources. Blue roofs harvest rainwater, giving the building a 50% reduction in water use compared to typical building regulations.
A seven-storey glazed central atrium designed for use by tenants and the public, named The Heart, doubles as a thermal envelope to support The Acre’s energy efficiency. On the ground floor, 20,000 sq ft of retail, amenity and public realm have been introduced to bring Covent Garden’s renowned culture and energy into the building, with curated retail and hospitality offerings.
In March, sustainable plant-focused salad and plate eatery atis opened its tenth London store at The Acre. This launch contributes to the activation of the building’s previously closed-off perimeter by connecting Long Acre and Endell Street through The Heart.
As part of a wider strategy to set a new standard in central London for employee wellness, The Acre also provides 350 cycling spaces and high-quality end-of-trip facilities to cater for active commuters. This leverages the building’s position along Quietway 1, London’s main cycle route from North to South that ventures through the city centre.
James Myburgh, Vice President at Northwood Investors, said: “Through this transformation, The Acre has taken on its own identity as a new landmark in Covent Garden. Located in the centre of one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods, it is now part of a tapestry of existing culture, energy and connectivity that is increasingly drawing occupiers to the West End. Looking back at what stood here before, this project demonstrates the potential for strategic and sustainable reuse of buildings in a way that responds intelligently to occupier demand. Now, we look forward to welcoming our occupiers and retailers to their new home over the coming months and opening The Acre up to the wider community to enjoy.”
Valeria Segovia, Principal and Design Director at Gensler, said: “Design has the power to transform communities, and The Acre exemplifies this vision by restoring the relationship between the iconic building and its context. Its transformation is about reinvention and connecting the past with the future to create a relevant, healthy and sustainable workplace. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Acre stands as a landmark that will enhance the vibrant energy of the area, offering an inspiring, inclusive and welcoming space for the public, local community, and tenants alike.”
Mel Allwood, Sustainable Buildings Director at Arup, said: “Sustainability has been at the heart of the design of The Acre since its outset, with Arup’s aim being to identify the greatest potential environmental and social benefits. We’re proud that our work in retaining and reimagining the building whilst prioritising health and wellbeing has provided a space that reflects sustainability as well as wellbeing needs – tying them both together for the benefit of its future tenants.”
Liam Bond, Director at Platform, said: “The Acre has pushed the boundaries of building repurposing forward – something that will continue to be of utmost importance as the real estate sector seeks to decarbonise. Designed and delivered by a multidisciplinary project team sharing a strong vision, the result is the product of our combined efforts and expertise. Together we have achieved outstanding sustainability credentials that any new building would be proud of, let alone a 1980s retrofit. This was only possible through the team’s constant push to find new solutions and achieve the best outcome for this unique and previously obsolete building: a best-in-class workspace that caters to modern occupier demands, while also delivering significant carbon savings.”
