The Knightsbridge Estate, London, U.K., is a magnificent island site occupying 3.5 acres of prime real estate in the heart of historic Knightsbridge. Meticulously restored and modernized in recent years by owner The Olayan Group, its most important enhancement took place at the northern end of the prestigious property. Here, a 31,587-meters-squared mixed-use development sits behind the retained heritage façades, maintaining the unique character of the area, while delivering a brand new building that meets modern occupiers’ needs.

The redevelopment delivers seven new flagship stores, high quality Grade A office accommodation and 33 luxury apartments for the rental market set around a private courtyard. A rooftop restaurant accessed via a ground floor café and deli completes the scheme. Working with Skanska’s integrated team of mechanical, electrical and public health professionals, HDR’s experts were entrusted with providing commissioning management services. Additionally, following the excellent performance of our teams at the early stages of this project, Skanska assigned HDR to provide commissioning management services that serve the Knightsbridge underground station.

This project implemented Nucleus, our bespoke self-developed management and validation software. Nucleus has been a huge success, enabling accurate work progress tracking and facilitating successful certification processes. This approach has helped manage issues, risks, actions and documents whilst providing the opportunity to record site observations, diary entries and safety risk assessments. Nucleus has allowed HDR to successfully conduct progressive sectional completions on this project. This led to key units opening on time and that their heating, cooling, water, power and safety were ready ahead of planned occupancy. All whilst there was ongoing construction back of house.

Images © Dirk Lindner, 2023.