This summer, Legendre UK successfully delivered Shorts Gardens (Arclight Development), a carefully planned retrofit and redevelopment project revitalising historic buildings in Covent Garden. Commissioned by SGLLP, a joint venture between Span Group Ltd and Pearl & Coutts Ltd (Part of Structadene Group), project managed by HUSH PM&C, and designed by Buckley Gray Yeoman, the scheme has transformed a former electricity substation and warehouse into a mixed-use development.
The project spans 50,000 square feet, providing 30,000 square feet of office space across eight floors and four high-quality residences, including a penthouse with a private rooftop terrace.
Delivered in a challenging environment, the project involved working with 100-year-old structures, navigating the proximity of a Crossrail tunnel, and managing narrow streets and multiple party walls. Construction included dividing the basement into two levels, adding new floors, and restoring the original façade to increase natural light and enhance the streetscape.
A central feature of the development is the Dynamo Hall, a four-storey space that previously housed generators for London’s theatre district. It now boasts a 13.5-metre-high atrium and a bespoke light sculpture, bringing natural light into the building while honouring its industrial heritage.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout, with the project achieving a BREEAM Very Good certification. Reclaimed materials, including original bricks in the façade, were integrated alongside features such as cycle storage, shower facilities, and a green roof to create a building that balances heritage and modern functionality.
Want to see more? Check out the video of this remarkable project.
Congratulations to our team and all project partners for bringing this significant project to completion.