The net zero carbon scheme will be a decade ahead of the UK Green Building Council’s target for all new developments to be net zero carbon.

02.12.2020

Planning permission is secured for Timber Square, the proposed 370,000 sq ft office development in Lavington Street, SE1. Timber Square will be a net zero carbon scheme, and aims to be the largest commercial development in the UK to use cross-laminated timber (CLT). 

The ambitious project demonstrates how such buildings can respond to the climate emergency and emerging net zero carbon targets for both construction and operation. Due to be completed early 2024, it will bring flexible, healthy and inspirational spaces to the heart of a creative neighbourhood and a community committed to positive change.

Timber Square will comprise two main buildings -The Ink Building and The Print Building- featuring 17 terraces and linked by landscaped public realm. Set on the site of a former timber storage yard and latterly a printworks, the scheme aims to honour SE1’s rich industrial heritage.

Peter Fisher, Director at Bennetts Associates comments: “The Timber Square scheme is both ambitious and challenging, and a fitting project to realise Landsec’s net zero carbon plans. Securing planning permission is a significant milestone not just for Timber Square, but for the wider property industry. The project has the potential to be a game changer regarding operational and embodied carbon impacts, as well as wellbeing. We hope to prove what’s possible in sustainable development and set a new standard of what businesses expect of their offices.”

David Heaford, Head of Development at Landsec said: “We’re delighted to receive confirmation of planning permission for Timber Square, a scheme which exemplifies our commitment to creating sustainable and healthy spaces for our customers. Timber Square combines innovative construction techniques with ethical materials and an aspirational design, making it perfect for businesses who want to visibly live and breathe their own commitment to sustainability. 

“In a future where the office is one part of a wider ecosystem of physical and digital workspaces, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and employees will be more important than ever. Timber Square has the resilient infrastructure to allow that, meaning our customers are free to focus on expressing their brand and culture through their space and using their office to drive collaboration, learning and innovation.”