Transforming a Landmark Building into a Biodiversity Asset
76-78 Upper Ground, Southbank (IBM Building)
ARBORICULTURE & ECOLOGY
Client
Wolfe Commercial Properties & Stanhope
Project Type
Commercial refurbishment and extension
Status
Completed
Images
Wolfe Commercial Properties & Stanhope
Location
The South Bank, London
Awards
2026 BCO London Award - Refurbished/Recycled Workplace
2026 Civic Trust Special Award for Sustainability
2026 Civic Trust Award
2025 Building Award - Retrofit Project of the Year
2024 WAFX Award - Reuse
2022 New London Award for Conservation
Images
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
TMA Environmental Consultants was appointed by Wolfe Commercial Properties and Stanhope to provide comprehensive ecological and arboricultural consultancy services for the refurbishment of the iconic, Grade II listed IBM Building at 76–78 Upper Ground, London. The project sought to secure planning consent while significantly enhancing biodiversity within a highly constrained urban riverside setting.
Overview
Located immediately adjacent to the River Thames and a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), the redevelopment required a sensitive and robust environmental strategy. TMA delivered a coordinated package of services including a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, Biodiversity Impact Assessment, Arboricultural Method Statements, Urban Greening Factor calculations and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. Ongoing design liaison ensured environmental performance was embedded throughout the evolving scheme.
Challenges
Key challenges included working within the constraints of a listed structure, limited opportunities for ground‑level planting, proximity to sensitive ecological receptors, and the need to meet ambitious planning policy targets for Biodiversity Net Gain and urban greening on a predominantly commercial site.
Approach
TMA worked collaboratively with the design team to maximise ecological value through innovative roof‑level and terrace interventions. Biodiverse intensive and extensive green roofs were designed to support Lambeth Priority Species, including black redstarts, house sparrows, bats and pollinating invertebrates. Arboricultural advice ensured retained trees were protected throughout demolition, construction and landscaping phases, supported by on‑site monitoring and BS5837‑compliant methodologies.
Outcome
The scheme achieved exceptional environmental outcomes, including a Biodiversity Net Gain of over 200% and an Urban Greening Factor exceeding London Plan policy targets. More than 2,000m² of green roofs and over 20 newly planted trees now contribute to habitat creation, urban cooling and improved air quality. The project successfully demonstrates how high‑density commercial redevelopment can deliver meaningful, long‑term biodiversity enhancements while respecting heritage and design integrity.
Services Provided
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
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Bat surveys
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BREEAM Ecology
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LEMP Ecology
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
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Urban Greening Factor
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Design Liaison
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BS 5837 Tree Survey
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Arboricultural Impact Assessment
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Arboricultural Method Statement
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Arboricultural Clerk of Works
