Argyll – 25 Southampton Buildings

Restoring The Grandeur Of Central Court

Spec

Brief

Argyll, a premium flexible workspace provider, appointed Aura Consulting to lead the extensive refurbishment of 25 Southampton Buildings, famously known as “Central Court.”

This 47,000 sqft Grade II* listed landmark, formerly the London Patent Office, represents one of the most significant assets in the Argyll portfolio.

The project required a meticulous strategy to integrate “smart office” technology and high-density serviced suites while celebrating the building’s iconic Victorian architecture, including its spectacular glass-domed roof and balconied walkways.

Challenges

Heritage Restoration & Discovery – Working within a Grade II* environment requires extreme care. During the strip-out, Aura’s team discovered original Victorian herringbone flooring hidden under layers of old carpet. We pivoted the restoration strategy to sympathetically recover and polish these “found treasures,” ensuring they became a central feature of the new design.

Environmental Performance – Improving the energy efficiency of a Victorian landmark is notoriously difficult. Aura navigated strict conservation constraints to overhaul climate control systems and integrate energy-efficient LED lighting, successfully elevating the building’s EPC rating from an ‘E’ to a ‘C.’

Scale and Technical Complexity – The project involved the creation of over 100 high-specification office suites and seven tech-enabled meeting rooms. Aura managed the complete modernization of the IT infrastructure and the installation of video call booths with professional-grade lighting, all while maintaining the building’s historic integrity.

Highlights

The Heritage Lounge – The world-class galleried reading room was reimagined as a sophisticated “heart” for the building, providing a unique business lounge experience beneath the original glass dome.

Modern Lifestyle Amenities – The fit-out includes luxury shower rooms, secure bicycle storage, and artfully landscaped courtyards, blending professional utility with premium hospitality.

Victorian Splendour Meets Smart Tech – The successful marriage of 19th-century grandeur with 21st-century connectivity has cemented Central Court as a premier destination in the Holborn market.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

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