Reimagining Heritage at The Waterman

Announcements 30th January, 2025

The Waterman is one of Clerkenwell’s largest heritage retrofit projects – an ambitious re-imagining of four Victorian industrial warehouses over 70,000 sq ft within the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area.

Developer BGO tasked Ambit and Fathom Architects with securing the heritage buildings’ future by combining the four separate buildings to create a single workspace with distinct character and an improved carbon footprint. The warehouses have been reimagined to minimise carbon, extend the workspace area by 9,900 sq ft, enhance tenant experience, and evolve a new identity that celebrates its industrial heritage. The Waterman includes six floors of workspace, a coworking lounge, private and communal roof terraces, and two retail units.

Early evening view of The Waterman in Clerkenwell, a refurbished Victorian industrial complex now serving as a sustainable workspace designed by Ambit.

Preserving Heritage While Embracing Innovation

Led by BentallGreenOak (BGO) and a collaborative team including Ambit and Fathom Architects, the redevelopment harmonises the Waterman’s industrial past with contemporary workspace demands. Two new levels, including a sixth-floor terrace, have been seamlessly added to extend its functionality. The rooftop garden and outdoor terraces on every floor enhance biodiversity and provide over 2,300 square feet of green space, reflecting the project’s commitment to wellbeing and sustainability.

This redevelopment celebrates the building’s heritage by integrating reclaimed materials and exposing its layered history. Reused elements, such as 5,000 bricks and 2.3 tonnes of structural steel, resulted in a substantial reduction in embodied carbon, 3,125kg and 5,635kg CO2, respectively. Three tonnes of original glass from windows on-site were transformed into terrazzo countertops, saving approximately 1,000kg of CO2.

Interior corridor at The Waterman, showcasing exposed brick walls and modern lighting fixtures, which highlight the polished concrete floors in this Ambit-designed workspace.

Built to Last

Double-glazed windows were installed to improve energy performance, raising the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to an impressive A rating. These upgrades are projected to offset embodied carbon within six years. Meanwhile, smart lighting systems with PIR sensors and natural ventilation strategies minimise operational energy use.

By targeting BREEAM Excellent and WELL certifications, The Waterman exemplifies how modern workplaces can be designed with occupant health and sustainability at their core. A Whole Life-Cycle Carbon assessment will measure the environmental impact across the building’s lifetime, ensuring accountability in achieving net-zero goals.

Spacious communal kitchen at The Waterman with a large central island, elegant hanging lights, and seating area, complemented by exposed brick walls and modern furnishings designed by Ambit.

A Modern Workspace for the Future

The Waterman redefines flexibility with innovative design features. Its adaptable floorplates can accommodate up to 12 tenancies, ensuring the building meets diverse business needs. End-of-journey facilities, including cycle storage, showers, and changing areas, support active travel, while Alfred’s Club, an informal coworking lounge with reclaimed floorboards and Victorian-inspired materials, offers a vibrant communal space.

Adding to its functionality, 4,898 square metres of raised access flooring were reused, saving 255,000kg of CO2. This thoughtful integration of reclaimed materials minimises waste and underscores the building’s environmental consciousness.

Alfred’s Club at The Waterman displays a mix of modern and vintage decor with exposed brick, vibrant red ceilings, eclectic lighting, and cozy seating areas, all designed by Ambit.

A New Chapter for Clerkenwell

The Waterman’s redevelopment has revitalised a local landmark, enhancing its role in Clerkenwell’s urban fabric. By preserving its historical essence while addressing contemporary demands, this project has delivered a workspace that is visually compelling and highly sustainable. With its heritage foundations intact and modern adaptations in place, The Waterman is set to inspire a new generation of occupiers to innovate, connect, and thrive. Join us for an exclusive look inside this heritage space below.

Explore The Waterman case study.