Unilever submits plans for redevelopment of Unilever House headquarters

The redevelopment of the Grade II listed building aims to create an exciting and efficient workspace that reflects Unilever's values and vision for the future.

Stanhope Plc has been appointed as developer and plans to completely transform the building's office space, entrance area, staff amenities and public spaces.  The office space for about 500 people is to become more open plan, changing the working practices whilst reinforcing Unilever’s culture.  The redevelopment is expected to take two years.

Architects KPF have led the design for the scheme, which incorporates ideas from Unilever staff.  The plant – housing lift and air-conditioning machinery, etc – will be removed from the roof creating significantly improved views to St Paul’s and restoring key elements of the building to its original design intent.

As previously announced Unilever will temporarily re-house staff in a neighbouring building at 60 Victoria Embankment.  Work is scheduled to begin in July 2004 and Unilever expect to occupy the completed building in 2006.

Notes to Editor:

Unilever background:  Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer products companies with annual sales of approximately €48 billion in 2003.  It produces and markets a wide range of foods and home and personal care products.  Unilever operates nearly 100 countries around the globe and employs approximately 250,000 people.

The business comprises:

Foods Division: PG Tips and Lipton teas; Knorr soups, sauces and bouillons; Hellmann's mayonnaise; Bertolli olive oil and sauces; Flora, Pot Noodle, Marmite and Peperami snacks and spreads; Birds Eye frozen foods; Wall's and Ben & Jerry's ice cream; and Slim-Fast nutritional and health snack products.

Home and Personal Care Division: Cif and Domestos household cleaners; Persil and Surf laundry detergents; Comfort fabric conditioner; Dove, Sure, Lynx, Impulse and Vaseline skin care, deodorant and soap products; Dove and Sunsilk hair care products; and Calvin Klein, Nautica and Lagerfeld fragrance products.

Stanhope background:  In the past 15 years Stanhope has developed over 50 office buildings providing more than 13 million sq ft of commercial space in central London and the South East. Stanhope recently completed Paternoster Square and is currently working on projects to develop Selfridge’s Oxford Street site, 51 Lime Street and Goggs East, amongst others. It is also working on the regeneration of Stratford, Croydon and Bracknell.