British Land has finalised a deal with Wates to transform its landmark Printworks site at Canada Water in London into offices and a cultural venue.

The plan will reinstate and create a permanent music venue in one half of the large former Printworks building, the other half will deliver next-generation sustainable workspace and retail, known as The Grand Press.

The designs, led by architects HawkinsBrown, seek to maintain the building’s volume and character while creating a highly sustainable and modern cultural venue.

Initial work includes demolition, site clearance, investigation works and a pre-construction services agreement, while British Land awaits the outcome of revised planning submitted earlier this year.

The plan is for the original structural frame to be retained, with the new building assembled around it.

The site was acquired by British Land in 2012, following the Daily Mail’s decision to move its printing operations outside of London. It gained international acclaim from 2017 as industrial events space known as Printworks London which closed last May.

Eddie Tribe, Managing Director – Major Projects, Wates, said: “We are delighted to be playing a key role in rebuilding and refurbishing a building that has become a cultural icon in London over the years.

“Wates’ involvement in The Grand Press is the latest in a series of large-scale schemes we are working on and really underscores our capability to deliver major projects for our customers.”