Wates scoops £85.9m former Apple HQ job

Wates Construction has been awarded an £85.9m contract to deliver the main works for One Hanover Street in central London, previously home to Apple’s European headquarters.

The Crown Estate appointed Wates under a JCT Design and Build 2016 contract. Work began on 15 September and is expected to complete by the end of January 2027.

Procurement was carried out via the Crown Commercial Service procedure.

The main contract was signed last month, according to Wates.

The project, approved by Westminster City Council in March 2024, includes the installation of new entrances on Hanover Street, the reorganisation of the building’s internal atrium, and the creation of a new rooftop pavilion and terrace.

The scheme also features a new mansard roof, an infill extension to upper floors on Princes Street, and the replacement of mechanical plant.

The building comprises eight linked properties across Regent Street, Hanover Street and Princes Street.

These include 235-243 Regent Street, 245-247 Regent Street, 29 Princes Street, 229-233 Regent Street, 1-2 Hanover Street, 7 Hanover Street and 27 Princes Street – all of which are Grade II-listed.

The Regent Street Apple Store sits within the block at ground level.

The approved plans will add 741 square metres of new office space, delivered through roof and upper floor extensions.

While the ground and first floors remain in retail use, the project focuses on upgrading the office areas above, including improving end-of-trip facilities and reconfiguring internal layouts.

The new terraces will replace or offset an existing fifth-floor terrace on Princes Street and include a larger rooftop terrace adjacent to the new pavilion.

The scheme sits within the Regent Street and Mayfair Conservation Areas and above London Underground tunnels, which imposed constraints on the design.

Despite the number of listed facades involved, planning officers noted that the interiors were largely modern due to past redevelopment.

Apple moved its European headquarters to Battersea Power Station in 2023.

Source: Gov.uk Contracts Finder/City of Westminster Planning documents/Wates

This story was updated on 14 October with additional information from Wates