Sir Robert McAlpine is set to take on the major refurbishment works, with the scheme being progressed on a speculative basis.
A recently secured funding package has paved the way for construction to begin in early 2026, once enabling works contractor John F Hunt completes the strip-out of the existing building.
The EDGE Shaftesbury development is being backed by a consortium of Japanese equity investors, including Tokyo Tatemono, Toko Electrical Construction and Fuyo General Lease, together with development finance provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank.
The project already has planning consent to redevelop the ageing 1980s office block into approximately 250,000 sq ft of high-quality, contemporary workspace. Proposals include a redesigned main entrance on Charing Cross Road and the addition of new rooftop terraces, with completion targeted for 2028.
Sustainability sits at the heart of the scheme, with around 75% of the existing structure to be retained in order to significantly reduce embodied carbon.
The refurbishment will see the building’s height increased from 11 to 13 storeys, alongside the creation of new ground-floor workspace to enhance its street-level presence.
Fons van Dorst, managing director UK at Edge, said: “Securing this funding marks an important moment for EDGE Shaftesbury and for our partnership with Mitsubishi Estate London.
“We are pleased to move into the delivery phase and look forward to creating a building that serves its occupiers, its neighbours and the wider city for many years to come.”
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