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Restoration Programme

It’s almost 90 years since our first residents called Dolphin Square home. The years, advances in technology and our expectations of sustainable living have culminated in the urgent need to preserve, modernise and restore.

Preservation, Improvement & Restoration

Every apartment will undergo important restoration work at some point over the next seven years – delivered on a house by house basis.

A brick building with windows and a garden in front.
A black and white photo of a tall building is framed by a brick wall.

Our Guiding Principles:

Firstly, and critically, we recognise that this is your home.

Behind the language of projects, phases and works - this is your home, and we understand and respect that. Your comfort, wellbeing and happiness are our priority. We’ll listen and where you have questions, concerns or queries, will always endeavour to respond as quickly as we can.

We want to and will engage with you individually.

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. As each phase is launched, every affected resident will be contacted individually by a dedicated team to discuss their own particular situation.

We’ll always respect your legal rights.

There’s no question of us acting in any way other than is set out in the terms of your lease. We’ll always carry out our own responsibilities in a full and proper manner.

We’ll ensure we give appropriate, and the maximum possible notice, before the works are due to start.

We recognise people will need time to adjust and will begin the process of engagement with affected residents at the earliest possible opportunity.

Scale of The Project

Vision

Guided by Our Vision for the Restoration Programme

  • 1) To preserve the building.
  • 2) To modernise the mechanical services and the environmental performance of the building.
  • 3) To improve the interiors, amenities and apartments for contemporary living.
  • 4) To protect the gardens, residents and character.
  • 5) To include and value diversity in our community.
  • 6) To restore the attraction of living at this quintessential London address.

Preserve Character

Historic Building

Working within a building designed c.90 years ago by architect Gordon Jeeves, Dolphin Square has its own character and sense of place. We’re protecting this through maintaining the fabric of the building – the 125+ tonnes of concrete, 12 million bricks and c.6,000 windows forming its outer walls – and making important improvements to the mechanical services.

Conserve Energy

Respecting Our Surrounding Environment

...both inside and outside Dolphin Square. We’re proud to be part of the Pimlico Conservation Area. The Restoration Programme will recognise and respect all our neighbours – those who live in and around the estate, as well as the rich flora and fauna that thrive in the listed gardens.

Transforming Dolphin Square

The Restoration Programme is challenged with working at a significant scale, within an established building; we’re driven to embrace and apply new methods and technologies that will achieve the ambitious sustainability targets set for the project. We appreciate that we’ll be the first to face some of these challenges and sharing our research, findings and outputs will benefit the property industry as a whole. Whether insights and learnings into contemporary London living, 1930’s structures or new technologies and innovation, we want to embrace collaboration and sharing, promoting best practice for the benefit of all.

A person walks down a path between two rows of trees in a courtyard.
A brick building with windows and a garden in front.

Our Approach

Environmental

Embracing sustainable technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Social

Creating short- and long-term employment, increasing diversity and inclusion, embracing social enterprises, and creating a special place to live and work in the heart of our Pimlico community.

Governance

Long-term investment ensures responsible and considered stewardship of place and community. Our objective is to preserve all that is valued about Dolphin Square, restoring its reputation as a quintessential London address.

Communication

We know how important it is that we keep everyone informed at every stage of the programme. We’re committed to open, transparent and regular engagement and information sharing. 

Scale of The Project

Preserve Character

Hidden Works

Key to the sustainable future of Dolphin Square is investment in its inner workings – the utilities infrastructure, including plumbing, heating and electrical system upgrades. These improvements are designed to enhance the comfort of our residents and secure the long-term future of the estate, whilst addressing some of its more immediate challenges – all dramatically improving the estate’s overall environmental performance.

Conserve Energy

Interior Canvas - Modern Heritage

The interior design approach takes its inspiration from Dolphin Square’s heritage, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. The scale of the Restoration Programme creates the opportunity to bring a holistic vision to the entire estate.

Some New Faces Around the Square

The Restoration Programme is assessing every aspect of Dolphin Square to meet the demands and expectations of London living in the 21st century - from the use of space and energy, to the care of our biodiverse environment. To ensure we appropriately and responsibly assess every aspect, our ongoing surveys and inspections span the length and breadth of the entire estate and gardens.

A large brick building with a fountain in front.

Sustainable Style — in SW1

Dolphin Square has always been an iconic address – the grand scale of its 1930’s vision, home to many from London’s rich and diverse society. The building character and style remain, but internally the mechanical improvements will bring Dolphin Square firmly into the modern age – re-engineered to meet and exceed today’s environmental standards.

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Pink flowers on a branch with a building in the background.

Preserve Character & Energy

A Sustainable Design to Promote the Highest Levels of Comfort & Well-Being

Dolphin Square’s 1,200+ apartments present a combined total of more than 6,000 windows – replacing all of these will be the most significant single factor in reducing energy consumption – heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

A close up of a window sill with a brick wall.

Efficiency Will Improve Performance

Conscientious Living

We’re all becoming more aware of our individual impact on the environment. Our carbon footprint is just one measure. It’s far more sustainable to retain the structure of a building and coupled with our harnessing of new green technology, the Restoration Programme is embracing opportunities and initiatives to improve the overall performance and operational efficiency of Dolphin Square. Together, we’ll reduce energy consumption and waste for the benefit of the environment and our future generations.

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Enhanced Amenities & Shared Spaces

Amenities & Services

The Restoration Programme will create new spaces, both inside and out – flexible areas to enhance the experience of living at Dolphin Square. Health and well-being are such an important part of our everyday, so alongside the restored Fitness Club, swimming pool and spa, there will be additional amenities and services to stimulate mind, body and soul.

The Team

Meet some of the team bringing the Restoration Programme to life.

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Head of Interiors - Grid Inside

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Associate Director – Longevity Partners
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Innovation & Energy Consultant - Longevity Partners
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Sustainability & Energy Analyst – Longevity Partners
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Principal Designer - Hollis
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Partner - Hollis
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Director of Sally Prothero Landscape Architecture (SPLA)

Dolphin Square Through Time

Dolphin Square, located in Pimlico, London, boasts a storied history that reflects both grandeur and intrigue. Completed in 1937, this massive apartment complex quickly became a symbol of luxury and modernity, attracting high-profile residents, including politicians, actors, and spies.

Read more