In September 2023, Hines opened its new European headquarters at its Grainhouse development in Covent Garden, London, occupying three floors of the five-level building.
Grainhouse, a 91,000 square foot former Victorian seed warehouse, was acquired by the Hines European Value Fund 2 (HEVF 2) in March 2020 and has since been transformed into a prime office and retail scheme after a three-year restoration and refurbishment project, designed by architects Barr Gazetas. Grainhouse provides a first-class platform for street level retail and amenities in a charming and original setting in one of London's most vibrant West End neighbourhoods.
Health and wellbeing are a major focus of the design. Occupants have access to a communal landscaped terrace with native plant species and nest boxes, 15,000 square feet of onsite retail including a restaurant, and spacious accommodation for secure bicycle storage, and extensive shower and locker facilities.
Grainhouse was designed to be highly energy efficient and fossil-free with air source heat pumps, and aims to reduce operational carbon through a variety of measures, as well as successfully reducing the embodied carbon on site by retaining as much of the original structure and materials as possible. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent, and WELL Platinum certification.