Multiplex wins £120m IBM makeover race

Multiplex has won its debut job for Stanhope, landing the firm’s scheme to redevelop the IBM building on London’s South Bank.Building understands it has beaten remaining bidder Mace after pitches from Skanska and Laing O’Rourke for the £120m design and build contract failed to make the final cut.Stanhope is development manager on the project, known as 76 Upper Ground.The revamp has been drawn up by AHMM and its original proposals for the office complex, completed in 1983, were floated in early 2020 and envisaged the creation of an extra 20,000sq m of space through the addition of two new storeys.But the scheme for Wolfe Commercial Properties Southbank – owned by the United Arab Emirates-based Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group – was drawn up before the building was given a grade II listing later that year.AHMM’s revised proposals, approved last summer, cut the amount of new space down to 11,000 sq m, which Wolfe said will “sensitively restore and upgrade the building”.Consultants working on the scheme include QS Exigere, Heyne Tillett Steel as structural engineer and Watkins Payne as M&E engineer.IBM is swapping the Brutalist landmark for new offices at the nearby Shell Centre while the work is carried out.Keltbray has already won the demolition package which will kick off the redevelopment.