ICE to improve the sustainability of its One Great George Street HQ

The ICE’s London headquarters, One Great George Street (OGGS) has been undergoing extensive refurbishments since June and will be reopening fully on Wednesday 11 September.

Until 11 September access and activities at the building are restricted.

The purpose of these works is to repair, conserve, and enhance the historic building, with a particular focus on improving its carbon footprint.

Increasing sustainability is central to the ICE’s commitment to demonstrate leadership in this area by reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net zero by 2050.

OGGS is a historic building that needs to be maintained regularly to keep it operational as an events venue and the home of infrastructure.

Every few years the building is closed for a short period to undertake renovations. The last refurbishments took place in 2016 with major works to the library and the Members Resources Hub.

This year’s focus is to improve the carbon footprint of the building and preserve its legacy.

Measures include installing double-glazing on the roof lights, replacing gas cooking equipment with induction equipment, and upgrading the air handling units.

What areas are closed until 11 September?

Closed areas:

• The Main Library, the Great Hall, the Telford Theatre, the Bazalgette Room, parts of the Rotunda, and parts of the main reception area including the main stairs.
• The WCs on the ground floor and LG2 will be closed except for an accessible WC on the ground floor.
• The NE lift will be out of service. There is no lift access to the Members Resources Hub.

What spaces are open?

Areas remaining open include:

• The main entrance and wheelchair lift at the front of the building.
• Kendal’s. The café bar will continue to operate but with a limited food service. Wheelchair access to Kendal’s will be by the goods lift only.
• The Members Resources Hub. Based on the second floor, it will remain open to ICE members only.
• An accessible WC on the ground floor.