Round bench seating in front of shelves of plants The space features white desks with ergonomic chairs, large monitors, and a central lounge area with green sofas and brown cushions. There are several potted plants throughout, and the ceiling has black panels with integrated LED lighting. A glass meeting room is visible on the left with the "ViiV" logo above it. The office has large windows allowing natural light to enter. A sleek, modern boardroom with a long white conference table surrounded by high backed white chairs. The room is illuminated by skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows on one side, offering a view of surrounding buildings. A black screen is mounted on the far wall, and built-in screens are embedded in the table for digital collaboration. The ceiling features perforated acoustic panels, and a white curtain runs along one wall, adding a soft contrast to the clean, minimalist design. A mix of sofas and comfy chairs A high spec gym space with a variety of machines Vertical farm with plants growing inside
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Home Case studies GSK

A world class headquarters for a healthier workplace

GSK’s move to 79 New Oxford Street was more than a relocation - it was a launchpad for company wide changes in ways of working, wellness and innovation.

Project partners

  • PENSON
  • tp bennett
  • AtkinsRéalis
  • GDM
  • Waterman
"I knew I was going to be working with you for a couple of years, and there needed to be a strong level of trust - that is exactly what happened. I absolutely loved working with the team."

Chris Higgins, Head of EMEA (Workplace, Real Estate and Facilities) at GSK

Key features

  • 12 floors delivered whilst in occupation
  • 800+ live plants and a vertical farm
  • Circadian lighting for workplace wellbeing
  • SMART technology for real time environment monitoring
  • Noise masking and vibration dampers for acoustic control

Moving from Brentford to central London marked a major shift for GSK, the global biopharma company, driving significant changes in how their people worked. The new headquarters had to reflect their vision of becoming one of the world’s healthiest workplaces by delivering at least 10 world leading innovations supporting human health and aligning with GSK’s culture.

From the outset, we worked as true partners with GSK and their design team, aligning closely with their aspirations rather than following a rigid client consultant approach. Designed by PENSON and developed in collaboration with tp bennett and our project partners, we delivered innovative, high spec solutions that have created a workplace unlike any other.

Biophilic and sustainable innovations

One of the most striking aspects of the new space’s design is how it incorporates sustainability and biophilia. A vertical farm, installed by Square Mile Farms, produces the equivalent of 1.5 acres of fresh produce, providing employees with sustainable food options. More than 800 live plants are integrated throughout the 12 floors, reinforcing a deep connection to nature. Every element of the fit out was designed to meet WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding standards, ensuring a workplace that prioritises both human and environmental health.

Smart wellness driven design

One of the most striking aspects of the headquarters is its integration of SMART technology, providing real time environmental monitoring to optimise indoor conditions. Circadian lighting, installed throughout all open plan areas, supports natural sleep wake cycles, enhancing focus and overall wellbeing. Acoustic solutions, including the UK’s largest installation of vibration dampers, ensure a quiet and comfortable work environment, even with a gym located on Level 9.

Seamless technology integration further enhances the employee experience. Advanced AV systems in all meeting rooms enable smooth collaboration, fully integrated into GSK’s network for an intuitive user experience. Flexible working spaces support a balance between collaboration and focused work, boosting productivity across teams.

Phased delivery without disruption

The project was delivered in multiple phases, ensuring that employees could move in while work continued on remaining floors. The first phase saw the completion of five floors, allowing teams to occupy the space. The remaining floors were delivered in three further phases, with outstanding success and without a single complaint about noise or disruption from those already working in the building.

Getting their people into the space on time was critical. With a complex phased occupation plan, GSK needed a delivery partner who could work flexibly and collaboratively, ensuring a high quality result while minimising disruption.

World class workspace

GSK’s new headquarters is a landmark project that exceeds their initial innovation target, with 11 fully implemented world leading workplace features. The result is a truly world class, health focused workplace that enhances employee wellbeing, optimises productivity and reinforces GSK’s position as a leader in innovation.

With a combination of groundbreaking technology, biophilic design and sustainability driven solutions, the new headquarters is not just a place to work - it’s an environment designed to support human health and transform the employee experience.

  • 79 New Oxford Street, London
  • 150,000 sq ft
  • 52 weeks
  • BREEAM Outstanding target
  • WELL Platinum target

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