Clearbell Property Partners III LP (Clearbell), a fund managed by Clearbell Capital LLP, has commenced refurbishment works at The Kodak, 65 Kingsway in London.

The Grade II listed building was built for Kodak in 1911 and was London’s first purpose-built open plan office block with ancillary lab and photographic rooms. Clearbell acquired that asset in May 2019 and planning permission was secured from Camden Council in May 2020. The building is comprised of 60,793 sq ft of office accommodation set over eight stories.

The construction contract has been awarded to Gilbert-Ash, an innovative construction partner that has undertaken numerous projects across the world in a variety of sectors, including The Royal College of Music, as well as projects on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The exciting repositioning of the building includes creating a new entrance off Keeley Street and the provision of a roof terrace. The building has been designed to achieve Well Gold, Wired score Platinum & BREEAM excellent and adopts many smart technologies and enhanced air handling appropriate for a post-Covid world.

The project is being project managed by Clearbell’s internal Project Management team, which is led by Tom Allan and Adam Wlodarczyk Black. Clearbell aims to have completed the work on the site by summer 2022.

Tom Allan, Head of Project Management at Clearbell Capital said:

“We believe the London office sector will bounce back strongly once COVID-19 restrictions lift. Workers are keen to interact with their colleagues face-to-face again, and only an office environment can provide the opportunity for connection and collaboration. We are confident that The Kodak will offer tenants a safe and secure place to do so and look forward to opening its doors next year.”

Alongside Gilbert Ash, Clearbell is working with architect Barr Gazetas, structural engineer Heyne Tillett Steel and M&E engineer Watkins Payne.