Trading up: YY London redevelopment transforms former Reuters building

In the heart of Canary Wharf, a pioneering dockside redevelopment is making waves: the transformation of 30 South Colonnade into YY London.

This iconic building was previously home to Reuters and welcomed financial professionals and visitors arriving via Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Line station with its famous stock exchange ticker display. Now, following Oaktree Capital’s and Quadrant’s major redevelopment, the building has been given a new lease of life, seeing it re-engineered for the demands of the modern workforce.

Originally constructed in 1991, Buckley Gray Yeoman’s striking redesign delivered 408,000 sq ft of premium office space and retail, restaurant and bar units, all while preserving much of the original structure. A powerful example of how transformative design techniques can unlock the potential within existing facilities and extend their lifespan, the scheme released 25% additional floor space through a series of sensitive design interventions developed by Waterman’s structural engineering specialists.

The building’s superstructure, originally a steel frame with composite metal deck slabs, also underwent significant modifications. Stability was provided by steel-braced cores located around the central and western sections of the building. During the retrofit, these cores were consolidated into a single central core, improving the structural performance while maximising usable internal space.

Nearly all columns within the building were strengthened, and the existing atrium was infilled to accommodate the expanded floor plates. These changes allowed the building to be extended vertically with two additional storeys, providing modern office spaces without the need for a complete demolition. Elsewhere, the entrance lobby was extended, removing the existing slab to create a triple-height feature entrance space. Within this reception area, a sweeping staircase connects the ground and upper ground levels, and an expansive digital screen wall provides a place to show abstract artwork, whilst a stunning full-height tree stands proudly on a rotating plinth to ensure it grows equally across its crown.

Creating a new icon

Among the most visible changes was the installation of a striking new façade. With the tired original cladding needing a complete replacement, a stunning new design punctuated by a series of graceful curving arches was selected to create a new landmark for this significant location. The new façade not only enhances the building’s appearance but also contributes to its energy efficiency, with the envelope designed to improve daylight penetration while minimising heat loss, contributing to overall energy demand savings of 62% against the original building.

Throughout the recladding process, the project team, led by main contractor Skanska, worked closely with Transport for London (TfL) and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to ensure the works were completed safely, given the building’s proximity to these transport systems.

Maximising user experience

In addition to structural and energy efficiency improvements, the redevelopment also focused on enhancing the workplace experience. The building’s flexible, open floor plates are designed to meet the needs of modern tenants, and features like exposed staircases with sustainable walnut flooring encourage employees to take the stairs for better health, whilst extensive outdoor spaces on nearly every floor provide areas for relaxation and collaboration.

In a further boost to amenity access, the building’s roof level features a communal event space and terrace. Elsewhere, cycle storage with dedicated changing facilities is incorporated, whilst antibacterial handrails, and UV filtration systems help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for tenants.