Cumming Group, under the name of MHBC Cumming, was the Lazari Group’s first choice to take over the project management and contract administration role when the project manager for Jones Lang Lasalle decided to retire. Consequently, we were appointed in January 2021 as the Project Manager and Contract Administrator for the flagship redevelopment of Stephenson House, a seven-storey scheme in Hampstead Road which will provide 17,000 square metres of office space, 17 flats, cafés, restaurants and shops. Construction started in late 2019 and required Cumming to instigate in-depth construction reprogramming, along with careful design management, to meet Lazari’s objectives, particularly around the impacts of the pandemic on such a substantial redevelopment scheme.

When completed in late 2021, the project will increase the footprint of the current site by 5,000 square metres and create six roof terraces and three pocket gardens arranged over virtually every floor. The scheme encapsulates numerous energy-saving features, with innovative solutions to deal with surface water retention and disposal. In addition, an array of PV panels on the roofs will supplement the main’s electrical demand. Keeping this environmentally sensitive theme, 249 commercial cycle parking spaces, 33 residential cycle parking spaces, four disabled car parking spaces and associated landscaping will enhance the development’s sustainable footprint. The scheme also provides a spectacular entrance feature, which gives rise to the developments new name, The Lantern, which together with the reception design are sure to offer this landmark building future-proofed prominence within its surroundings. Marks Barfield Architects led the design team with engineering advice from GLP Consulting, The Morton Partnership, IFC and Murphy Facades. CNA quantity surveyors assisted in the appointment of 8Build as the main contractor.