1st April 2009

Top of the World

One of the world’s most iconic residential buildings has reached a key milestone on its way to completion, as the highest point of its superstructure was completed today.    Laing O’Rourke, Britain’s biggest privately owned construction company, celebrated the official topping out of One Hyde Park, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, London for client Project Grande (Guernsey) Limited.

The topping out ceremony was celebrated by Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Jassim on behalf of his father, the Prime Minister of Qatar as an investor on the project and Christian Candy on behalf of development managers, Candy & Candy.

The project, located in the heart of Knightsbridge in central London, is one of the most stunning developments to have taken place in the capital, and comprises 86 apartments on a site of less than one hectare. They are considered to be some of the most desirable residences in the world.

Ray O’Rourke, Chairman & CEO of Laing O’Rourke, said “This is a world-class development, being built by a world class team”.  They were accompanied by Tony Douglas, Laing O’Rourke’s Chief Operating Officer, who commented, “Each project has its own unique set of challenges, and yet each emerges as a result of a collaborative approach to delivering shared goals.  We are proud to play our part in delivering this majestic addition to London’s landmark residences.” 

One Hyde Park comprises of four pavilions, separated by three access cores.  The main living areas are configured at the ends of the blocks, many affording stunning views across the London skyline.  Once completed, more than 40 dedicated staff trained by Mandarin Oriental will be employed to manage services for the development. 

The site was formerly occupied by Bowater House, an office building dating from the 1950s, which was totally removed before construction started.  Unusually, as well as building up the steel frame for the new structure, the construction team dug down to create the four story basement at the same time, so as to minimize time as well as reduce disturbance.

Nick Williams, Candy & Candy’s Managing Director, One Hyde Park, said: “Once the plans had been agreed, Laing O’Rourke were chosen for their project delivery management capabilities on complex and congested projects.  This is the best project in the world, so as development managers we wanted the best team in the world.”

Paul Lynchehaun, Laing O’Rourke’s project director, said, “This is an exceptional project to lead, and the whole Laing O’Rourke team continues to deliver superbly.  The constraints of the site, and the high quality demanded in absolutely every aspect of the programme, have created many challenges, but our one-team approach has help us respond positively to them all, and this topping out celebration, ahead of schedule, is testament to that passion to succeed.”

One Hyde Park is a strategically significant project for Laing O’Rourke as it is a clear example of the Group’s ‘Total Solutions Provider’ aspiration.  Over the lifecycle of the construction project, nine of Laing O‘Rourke’s portfolio of business units will be involved in various stages of the design, build and fit-out phases of the project.

Candy & Candy are renowned creators of remarkable living environments, and are the development managers and interior designers for One Hyde Park.  Laing O’Rourke plc is the largest privately owned construction solutions company in the UK.  The Group has grown at an extraordinary rate since it was founded over thirty years ago by Ray O’Rourke, the current Chairman, Chief Executive and majority shareholder.  It now has significant operations across three international Hubs – Europe, the Middle East and South Asia and Australasia. Laing O’Rourke seeks to work with the world’s most prestigious clients to deliver a broadened construction and related services offering across the entirety of the value chain.  It focuses exclusively on delivering project management excellence throughout the development lifecycle, from earliest concept to final decommissioning of major infrastructure and built assets.