Endurance Land - 138 Cheapside Level 4 & 5

Endurance Land is a developer known for unlocking the potential of underperforming assets across London. After the successful completion of our ground floor scheme at The Bailey, they invited us back to take on a new challenge at 138 Cheapside. Levels four and five had become redundant, weighed down by dated Cat B fit outs and ageing mechanical infrastructure. The task was to return both floors to shell, replace all services and deliver a fresh Cat A+ fit out that would appeal to a new generation of tenants.

On level four, the scope extended further, with the replacement of the façade windows to improve the building’s EPC rating and a complete redesign of the welfare facilities to allow access through the common parts. It was a project full of opportunity, but also full of complexity. Short slab-to-slab spans left little room for coordination of the exposed mechanical ventilation, while the logistics of replacing windows above one of the City’s busiest streets was a high risk element of the programme.

The solution began with collaboration. Our design team and supply chain worked hand in hand to map every level change across the floorplates, establishing precise datum points that would guide the coordination of services. This level of detail ensured not only compliance with regulations, but also a practical solution for long-term maintenance.

For the façade works we faced a significant programme challenge, but turned it into a workable plan. Instead of lengthy road closures, we adopted a phased approach that combined rappel installation methods with temporary street-level hoarding. By replacing two to three windows each evening, risks were mitigated and the project remained on programme.

The design philosophy was to create a bright, neutral canvas that future tenants could make their own, enhanced by carefully placed moments of warmth and detail. Soft neutral tones were layered with accents of timber and biophilia, while statement joinery and feature lighting created focal points that lifted the visitor experience. Touches of antique brass tied the interiors back to the building’s existing character, weaving old and new together.

The spatial planning was equally considered. Open plan desking provided flexibility and space for growth, supported by a mix of meeting rooms and adaptable furniture settings. Each floor was anchored by a generous teapoint designed as a social hub, centrally located on level five and destination-led on level four. The reconfigured toilet block improved accessibility across the building, while the new client lounge on level four created a welcoming statement, giving visitors a view across the workplace and staff a sense of pride in their environment.

The project achieved its goals with precision, enhancing building performance and delivering flexible, modern workspaces designed to attract and inspire future tenants. The upgraded façade and services contributed to an improved EPC rating, while the new layouts and design details transformed two redundant floors into bright, market-ready environments. For Endurance Land, the result is not only a more competitive asset but also the continuation of a trusted partnership built on collaboration, creativity and delivery.