The specialist was already on site working for client Hines undertaking a significant cut and carve demolition and complex temporary works scheme.

Working behind the facades of the heritage buildings Hunt’s structures team will now carry out specialist restricted head room piling, construction of the new basement and jump
form a six-storey core while installing a new steel frame and floors.

To facilitate the new arrangement significant structural alterations are being undertaken to level the entire floor plate and substantially strengthen the retained facades.

When complete the redevelopment of Grain House will provide up to 11,500m 2 of offices and commercial space over five upper floors, with retail and restaurant use at basement and ground level.

The island site, which is bounded by Drury Lane and the restricted access of Dryden Street, Shelton Street and Arne Street, is situated within the heart of Covent Garden and presents significant logistical challenges.

Hunt managing director, Glen Clarke, said: “We are delighted to work on this highly complex and prestigious project on behalf of Hines. It involves many of the Group’s in-house resources and demonstrates the benefits of de-risking projects by combining complicated front-end packages”.

Hunt will be handing over as main contractor on the project to Knight Harwood later in the year.