Heron Tower – for which Skanska was the main contractor – has been named best commercial workplace at the 2012 British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards.
The accolade was presented at a gala dinner on Tuesday, 2 October, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in central London. Nearly 1,500 guests attended the ceremony which brought together architects, agents, designers, developers and occupiers.
Heron International, owner of the flagship office building, fought off competition from office developments across the UK to pick up the national award.
Judges took into account the success of the project against the brief, as well as flexibility, efficiency, quality, sustainability, effectiveness as a workplace and contribution to the public realm.
Gary Clifford, Operations Director for Skanska’s Building, London and South-East, division, said: “Skanska is extremely proud to have built such a prestigious project, located in the heart of London.
“This award is a true testament to each stakeholder involved in the successful delivery of such fantastic commercial office facilities and proves how we pulled together as a team to deliver one of London’s greatest landmarks.”
Gerald Ronson CBE, Chief Executive of Heron International, won the President’s Award, in recognition of his long and outstanding contribution to the industry.
Commenting on Heron Tower’s success at the BCO Awards, he said: “We are extremely proud of Heron Tower and are very pleased to receive this accolade in recognition of the building’s quality. From its prime location at the heart of the City to the outstanding design and finish of the office space, right through to the unique features such as the aquarium in the lobby and the highspeed, fully glazed, double-deck lifts, our aim with Heron Tower was to create a truly special building that sets new standards for office space. This award from the British Council for Offices is a testament to the hard work of all those involved in bringing this vision to life.”
Heron Tower is located in Bishopsgate, central London and stretches 230 metres into the skyline. It offers 36 storeys of office space, along with bars and restaurants on the ground and uppermost floors.