TBC.London

Next to Tower Bridge, an outdated 1990s office block has been radically reimagined. Willmott Dixon, working with FORE Partnership, transformed the site into one of the UK’s most sustainable workspaces – TBC.London. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the project focused on retrofit, delivering a high-performance, net zero carbon building that’s ready for the future.

Reclaiming, Reusing, Reinventing
At the heart of the project was adaptive reuse. The existing concrete frame was retained, and 16 tonnes of recycled steel – salvaged from the House of Fraser demolition – were used in the new structure. This “urban mining” strategy cut 48 tonnes of embodied carbon and marked the first use of pre-1940s reclaimed steel in UK construction, setting a powerful precedent for circular building design.

Building Performance at Its Peak
Energy performance leapt from an EPC D to a forecasted A rating. With 100% electric heating and cooling, on-site solar generation, and high-spec insulation, the building achieved a 71% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to standard offices. TBC.London is now targeting BREEAM Outstanding – placing it among the top 2% of sustainable buildings worldwide.

Precision on a Constrained Site
Located beside a Grade II-listed building and within a weight-restricted zone on Tower Bridge, the project demanded meticulous logistics. Delivery restrictions changed mid-construction, prompting an agile redesign of schedules and routes. Coordinating across two boroughs, Willmott Dixon navigated these challenges with just-in-time delivery and real-time problem-solving.

By pairing bold sustainability ambitions with complex urban logistics, TBC.London demonstrates how retrofit can lead the future of commercial development, proving that zero carbon doesn’t mean zero character or compromise.

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