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Discover Norton Folgate

Published : 01/08/2024 by James Neville

A Symphony of Heritage and Innovation
Welcome to Norton Folgate, a remarkable development that stands as a testament to London's rich history and its dynamic spirit of innovation. British Land, recognizing the site's unique character, embarked on a transformative journey in 2013, acquiring the site from the City of London.

Archaeology & History

British Land worked with the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) and M3 Consulting to investigate and conduct an archaeological investigation at Norton Folgate prior to its redevelopment, in accordance with UK planning policy. MOLA's Building’s team meticulously documented the existing 15 structures over several months in 2018 within the footprint of the Norton Folgate development prior to excavation.

The objective of the investigation was to gain a better understanding of the area's evolution from a suburban to an urban, industrial site spanning the 17th to 20th centuries. This involved various methods such as photography, survey drawings, laser scanning, and archival research to document and explore the architectural details and archaeological evidence.

The archaeology of the site recovered evidence dating back to the Romans until the late 4th Century AD. Six Roman burials were discovered in Norton Folgate, along with 2 horses. They were found specifically in the Blossom Yard and Studios area within the new development. Additional research will be conducted to assess these burials along with others found nearby at Principal Place, where 150 burials were found during excavations between 2011-2016.

Blossom Yard and the surrounding areas may have been connected to a medieval priory, as two pits outlined with chalk were found by archaeologists. One of these pits was originally designed as a soakaway for drainage, but during the Tudor period, it was repurposed as a cesspit, with the addition of a layer of bricks above. Each row of the chalk blocks was numbered with indicating a deconstruction and reconstruction.

In 1650, the street frontage along Norton Folgate was mostly developed, with numerous mansions and smaller houses occupying where the old priory once stood. However, there were still large fields to the east, marking the northeastern edge of London. Fast forward to 1710, London had expanded significantly, and almost all the fields in the area had been built upon.

You can observe the influence of the English Silk industry's legacy in the 18th-century architecture evident in the spacious open attics with large windows found on Elder Street and Blossom Street, as documented by MOLA's Buildings team.

The Nicholls & Clarke building within Norton Folgate housed ‘The Two Brewers’ – an alehouse first documented in the 18th century. Archaeologists discovered a well behind the site and materials such as drinking tankards, bottles, a domino and clay tobacco pipes, as well as chamber pots. Another quite unusual attraction lay at 20 Norton Folgate, a single shop front which led to the East London Aquarium, Menagerie and Wax Work Exhibition. It had a short life span from 1875 to 1884 – and was horrifically brought to an end by fire, destroying the building.

Sam Nicholls and William Clarke formed Nicholls & Clarke and occupied substantial space within the Norton Folgate boundaries at 12 and 13 Blossom Street. After Sam Nicholls' death in 1932, aged 90 – the company merged with the General Iron Foundry, known for producing architectural iron and steel fittings. The company proceeded to transform its properties on Shoreditch High Street by combining multiple buildings into one, with a stunning Art Deco facade. For the majority of the 20th century, Nicholls & Clarke made these buildings their home. However, in 1975, the glass department relocated to a new site, while other operations carried on at the Shoreditch location until 2003. It was then that the company decided to move to a brand-new headquarters in Romford.

Overall, the archaeological investigation at Norton Folgate provided valuable insights into the area's history and development over several centuries.

A New Chapter

Since 2019, British Land have undertaken meticulous restoration and redevelopment efforts to honour the past while shaping a future that respects and rejuvenates this special place. The redevelopment approach has been one of sensitivity and ambition. Victorian warehouses have been meticulously restored, their industrial charms brought to the forefront, while the new structures were designed to complement seamlessly with the historical context. This thoughtful integration enriches the fabric of Norton Folgate, adding a contemporary layer to its storied past.

Spanning across six buildings and covering an impressive 330,000 square feet, Norton Folgate is a harmonious blend of past and present. It boasts 300,000 square feet dedicated to contemporary office spaces, while 30,000 square feet caters to vibrant retail and food & beverage scenes. This careful curation ensures that every corner of the development echoes the diversity it has always been known for.

Norton Folgate’s soul is deeply rooted in its Georgian and Victorian architecture, with cobbled courtyards and tranquil streets that transport you away from the City's bustle. Yet, it remains within a stone's throw from key transport hubs like Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street stations, offering the best of both worlds – a pedestrianised, serene escape in the heart of the City’s bustling hub.

In crafting the future of Norton Folgate, four renowned architectural practices were engaged, each bringing a distinct style and perspective to the table. Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) led the master planning and designed three remarkable buildings: Blossom Yard & Studios, Nicholls and Clarke, and Loom Court. Complementing their work, Stanton Williams, Morris + Company, and DSDHA have contributed their expertise to Elder Yard and Studios, 15 Norton Folgate, and 16 Blossom Street, respectively.

Sustainability

At the heart of this redevelopment is a commitment to sustainability. Arup engineers have propelled Norton Folgate into the limelight as Europe's largest all-electric retrofit initiative. A workforce of over 4,000 individuals, including numerous restoration specialists, have poured their expertise into this monumental task, ensuring that the development not only preserves its history but also leads the way in modern building practices.

A staggering 99.9% of development waste during construction was either reused or recycled, saving 94,500 tonnes in four years. The weight is equivalent to 7,600+ buses. With 100% of renewable electricity being utilised by the buildings – with all electric workspaces, certified by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO), achieving BREEAM Excellent Certification.

As the landlord and developer of Norton Folgate, British Land also oversees Broadgate. An expansive 32-acre site across the road, featuring 4.5 million square feet of office space and c.300,000 square feet of retail, hospitality and leisure. Broadening and solidifying the socioeconomic and environmental impact of real estate development in the area.

The Allsop City office has been involved in the scheme since the beginning in 2013 when the site was first acquired. British Land's commitment to preserving both listed and locally significant buildings ensures a harmonious blend of heritage, innovation and architectural styles. Where tenants have an opportunity to be a part of the action, alongside recent occupiers Reed Smith, On Running, Xi Home and Kolamba in a diverse range of fitted units and spaces.