British Land and AustralianSuper have revealed their exciting vision for the Printworks building in The Grand Press, a new workspace project that may also include a unique cultural venue within the Canada Water Masterplan in London SE16, pending planning permission.

Once known as Harmsworth Quays and the largest printing facility in Europe since 1989, this building is now the last major unconverted industrial building in central London, offering a rare opportunity for transformation. Architects Hawkins\Brown will turn the building into a top-class mixed-use facility, keeping much of its original character while providing sustainable workspace alongside new cultural and leisure uses. The building will be located next to a 3.5-acre park, a short walk from the River Thames and historic docks.

The Grand Press will have 158,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace featuring strong sustainability, amenities, technology, and wellness aspects. Set over seven floors with tall ceilings and lots of sunlight, the adaptable workspaces will be built around a huge atrium created from the old printing press hall. The Grand Press will have an impressive entrance, while over 10,000 sq ft of outdoor terraces on the third to sixth floors will offer amazing views across London. The name of the project reflects the building's striking architecture and honors its industrial past, while moving it into the future.

In line with the Canada Water Masterplan, the extensive renovation will be a net zero carbon development, aiming for excellent BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Gold certification ratings, focusing on occupant health and wellbeing. The project has already achieved the highest 5.5-star NABERS design-reviewed target rating for building efficiency, ensuring a lasting future for the upgraded Printworks.

The Grand Press, appealing to innovative companies from various sectors, offers a unique opportunity with a proposed cultural venue that may occupy the back half of the building's famous press halls, subject to planning permission. The complex may also feature retail and food & beverage outlets on the ground floor, along with a custom rooftop amenity space.

Roger Madelin, Joint Head of Canada Water at British Land, commented: “The Printworks building is one of the many gems within the Canada Water Masterplan; we have taken inspiration from its heritage to design a state-of-the art complex that pays homage to the asset’s evolution over the past three decades and offers a compelling blend of modern workspace, cultural experiences and leisure activities, fostering collaboration and creativity. We were keen to capture the extraordinary character and volume of this building through our ambitious retrofit programme, ensuring a long term and sustainable future for the reinvented Printworks which fully embraces its multi-layered potential.”

Mike Wiseman, Head of Office Leasing at British Land, added: “The Grand Press will be one of the most exciting workspace schemes ever launched to the London market – a once-in-a-lifetime, globally unique opportunity for any forward-thinking business that uses workspace as a key representation of its own brand and its relationship with its employees. The iconic building complements the wider commercial offering that will be delivered across the Canada Water Masterplan, promoting a hive of business activity in this pocket of central London where occupiers will benefit from exceptional transport links, extensive food and retail options, and an abundance of surrounding green and blue spaces.”

The redevelopment forms part of the second phase of the Canada Water Masterplan, with practical completion expected in Q3 2026.

Phase 1 of the development includes 300,000 sq ft of highly sustainable workspace at Three Deal Porters and The Dock Shed on Deal Porters Way, and 33,000 sq ft of lab space at the Paper Yard’s life-sciences quarter.