Merchant Square London, Architect, Paddington Basin Architecture, Carmine Building Project

Merchant Square, London

Carmine Building – Paddington Basin Building, London, UK – design by mossessian & partners

2 Mar 2011

Merchant Square London

mossessian & partners nominated for the Country of Honour award

5 Merchant Square by mossessian & partners has been nominated for the Country of Honour award, selected from a shortlist of over 100 entries from 27 countries. The office development, also known as the Carmine Building, is located facing south over the canal in Paddington, west London, one of Europe’s largest regeneration sites.

Carmine Building photos from 9 Jan 2011, exclusive to e-architect:

5 Merchant Square photos © Nick Weall

Previously:

Carmine Building

Mayor of London Tops out Landmark London Building in Paddington Basin

London: May 27, 2009: The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has performed the traditional topping out ceremony at the landmark Carmine building in the Paddington Basin development.

5 Merchant Square images from architects

The ceremony marks a major milestone in the development of Paddington Basin, a key development in the West of London. The Carmine building in Merchant Square, designed by Mossessian & Partners is being developed by European Land; the building continues to go according to schedule and will be completed in 2010. Marks & Spencer will be among the first tenants, having already taken approximately 170,000 square feet.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I am extremely encouraged to see that, despite the current downturn, London is bucking the trend and investors are continuing to show confidence in the capital. Major developments like European Land’s Merchant Square are vital, not just for the regeneration of Paddington. They will also ensure that London emerges from the recession with a modern infrastructure that will act as a catalyst for further investment and economic growth once the upturn comes.”
European Land, the leading development company in the regeneration of Paddington, is proud to have reached this stage in the construction of the 1.8 million sq ft development. The Carmine Building is a15-storey office building combining sculpted triangular volumes and a dynamic façade, with spectacular views towards Hyde Park and the City.

5 Merchant Square photos © Nick Weall

European Land Managing Director, Richard Banks, said: “This is a great day for us, and for the whole of the Paddington Basin development, and we are delighted the Mayor has been able to share in this celebration. One of the exciting things about this development is that we are in the process of turning a rundown industrial area in the heart of London into a vibrant and modern space, within walking distance of the West End and just a stones throw from Paddington station. It is already becoming a key destination for residents and businesses alike who want a convenient and calming base close to both the heart of London and the rest of the world.”

Tony Douglas, Chief Operating Officer for Laing O’Rourke said, “We are very proud to be the principal constructor for this prestigious scheme and it gives me great pleasure to be here today to celebrate the achievement of this important milestone.”

Merchant Square, when completed, will create six new buildings in total, including a mix of residential, office and retail uses, regenerating land previously occupied by warehousing and other light industrial uses. The scheme incorporates 555 residential units, with 30 per cent as affordable housing. Its location, next to a major transport hub, will encourage the use of public transport.

Carmine building
5 Merchant Square photos © Nick Weall

Through this Paddington development, European Land has provided continued commitment for the local community, through support for local education, improvements to local streets and public transport, the incorporation of public facilities at the site including new public routes, the Public Square, and moorings at the Basin. Since 1999, the completion of major building and infrastructure works has transformed Paddington. This has included the opening of tow paths along the canal, new canal bridges that link communities and significant new areas of public space. The opening of the new Bishops Bridge has dramatically reduced congestion and improved vehicle access to Paddington Station.

European Land estimates that 30,000 jobs will be created a result of the developments at Paddington Waterside. To date, over 4,000 people have been placed into work and gained tremendous success with Marks & Spencer, St Mary’s Hospital and the Hilton Hotels.

Merchant Square architects – mossessian & partners

Carmine building at Merchant Square – further information

photo © Nick Weall