Project Overview
Norton Folgate, previously known as Blossom Street, is one of London’s most intricate urban regeneration schemes. Situated in the heart of Spitalfields, the project saw the sensitive redevelopment of Georgian and Victorian buildings alongside the construction of new commercial spaces for client British Land. Working within a dense conservation area and a tightly constrained footprint, main contractor Skanska led the delivery, with Kilnbridge appointed to provide specialist structural steelwork and temporary works across several plots.
Kilnbridge’s involvement was fundamental to enabling the safe and efficient construction of the new buildings while protecting the historic fabric of the site. The team delivered three major structural steel frames across plots S1A, S1B and S2, along with metal decking, shear studs and secondary steelwork to the roof of S1B. All steelwork was fabricated off‑site, a strategy that improved quality control, reduced vehicle movements and helped maintain programme certainty in a highly restricted environment.
Our Approach
The project demanded a sophisticated approach to temporary works. Kilnbridge designed and installed extensive propping and back‑propping systems to safeguard adjoining listed structures during construction. These solutions were developed by the company’s in‑house engineering and design teams, allowing for rapid coordination and seamless integration with the wider project programme. One of the most technically challenging elements was the creation of a cantilevered tower crane base, anchored to the top of a reinforced concrete lift core using pre‑loaded Macalloy bars. This bespoke solution was required due to the limited space available for crane positioning and demonstrated Kilnbridge’s ability to engineer complex, high‑risk temporary works in constrained urban settings.
Working within narrow streets, around retained façades and in close proximity to occupied buildings required meticulous planning and collaboration. Kilnbridge’s proactive communication and interface management were essential in coordinating with multiple contractors operating simultaneously across the site. The team’s approach ensured that structural works progressed safely and efficiently while respecting the heritage sensitivities of the area.
Outcomes
The scheme has been widely celebrated for its innovative mixed‑use regeneration, earning a series of prestigious industry awards that highlight its sustainable approach and sensitive integration of historic buildings with contemporary design. Recognised for excellence in architecture, construction and urban placemaking, the project was named the 2024 Brick Awards Supreme Winner and received commendations for Urban Regeneration and Refurbishment. It went on to secure the BCO National Award for Refurbished/Recycled Workplace and the BD Architect of the Year Award for One‑off Major Project in 2025. Further accolades include the AJ Architecture Award for Mixed‑use Project of the Year, the CIOB Team Award for outstanding best practice, and the Dezeen Award for Workplace Interior (Large) of the Year.
The development was also honoured at the British Construction Industry Awards for Commercial Property Project of the Year and Community Impact and highly commended in the Building Awards Net Zero category, reinforcing its status as a benchmark for high‑performance, community‑focused, and sustainably-led regeneration.
Conclusion
Today, Norton Folgate stands as a benchmark for heritage‑led regeneration. Kilnbridge’s engineering expertise, design capability and collaborative approach played a central role in delivering a project that has been celebrated for its technical excellence, architectural quality and contribution to the city’s historic fabric.