The transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, a Grade II listed building adjacent to the National Theatre, has successfully reached practical completion – delivering 300,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge and sustainable office space.
The scheme has been delivered with Stanhope Plc as Development Manager, LaSalle Investment Management as asset manager and was overseen by Multiplex as the Main Contractor.
PayPal, a global leader in digital payments, will be the building’s first occupier, after signing a lease for 40,000 sq. ft. of the top floor of the building.
Targeting a Q2 2026 occupancy, PayPal selected 76 Southbank based on the building’s amenity offerings, proximity to their current City offices and its transport connectivity. Six stations, including Waterloo, Charing Cross and Blackfriars, are within a 10-minute walk from 76 Southbank, providing direct access to the West End, City of London and Canary Wharf.
The completed refurbishment features impressive outdoor terraces spanning 50,000 sq. ft., offering panoramic river views alongside biophilic landscaping. A double-height entrance lobby provides a generous office reception, with a striking centrepiece staircase serving as a visual focal point.
76 Southbank prioritises occupant wellbeing, with the revitalised building offering adaptable office spaces designed to enhance productivity and comfort while fostering collaboration. Forward-thinking design principles prioritise the end user experience, such as touchless entry systems and curated amenity areas.
The iconic space sets a new standard in low-carbon office design. The project construction has embraced a circular economy approach, prioritising off-site fabrication to minimise on-site waste and incorporating reused steel in its construction. This dedication to sustainability is embodied through energy-efficient solutions that have been installed whilst protecting the building’s brutalist heritage. The project is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding certification and NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5 Stars.
The transformation project renews the last significant work of Sir Denys Lasdun, the renowned architect behind iconic structures such as the National Theatre. The remodelling and refurbishing of this historically significant Grade II listed building has been carried out with the utmost sensitivity, ensuring that 80% of its iconic structure is preserved for future generations. The architectural redesign has been led by AHMM.
Stanhope are the Development Manager and LaSalle Investment Management are the asset managers for the project. Global alternative asset manager Cheyne Capital Real Estate provided the financing for the project. Leading real estate agencies CBRE and JLL have been appointed as agents for 76 Southbank. JLL acted for Paypal.
Kevin Darvishi, Head of Leasing at Stanhope said: “Practical completion of 76 Southbank and the arrival of PayPal will breathe new life into this brutalist icon. Built for the future, 76 Southbank is accessed from a spectacular triple height reception and provides large floor plates that all benefit from unrivalled views of the Thames, in a thriving part of central London. An occupier of PayPal’s calibre underlines market demand for low-carbon and amenity-rich workspaces.”
Chris Lewis, Managing Director, International Accounts, Europe, LaSalle Investment Management said: “The completion of 76 Southbank marks a significant milestone. Its strong location, best-in-class amenities and historical significance position it as a standout commercial property in central London. PayPal’s decision to occupy space here underscores the building’s appeal, and we look forward to welcoming their employees to this exceptional development next year.”
Simon Bladon, PayPal UK CEO said: “This is an exciting time for PayPal in the UK, and we’re looking forward to welcoming in the next chapter with a brand new home on London’s iconic South Bank.”