Demolition was “a complete waste of time, energy, money and carbon”

How Helical with AHMM transformed an unloved and badly managed British Telecom office complex on Old Street Roundabout into a place. This classic 1960s Modernist campus has seen its former rear carpark transformed into a mews-like street. Across the complex, there are five restaurants, two coffee bars, a hotel, gym and new public spaces. The nature of the businesses based here – Farfetch and WeWork, amongst others – reinforces the decision to combine business with leisure to create a place, rather than office space. The Old Street neighbourhood has the most expensive creative and tech office market per square foot in the world. Less recognised perhaps is that this is still one of the most deprived areas in the country. Support our podcast and also get the magazine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.