The Danish practices part-retrofit, part-rebuild of the modernist tower for British Land will see the landmark turned into a science and tech-led workplace, with lab-enabled spaces for cutting-edge businesses of all sizes.A significantly reworked version of the proposal, already redrawn once in 2023, was submitted in December last year.Camden Councils planning committee voted to approve the project on Thursday evening (21 March), subject to secondary approval from the Mayor of London.AdvertisementThe proposal involves deconstructing the existing Euston Towers faade and floor slabs, while maintaining its central core, basement structure and foundations, and re-building it with enlarged floorplates. The scheme will increase internal floor area from 54,830m to 79,830m. Source:3XN (Taken from planning documents)Approved design (left) and December 2023 design (right)After its transformation, the 36-storey building will provide predominantly flexible office and lab-enabled floorspace for research and development, including accelerator space aimed at start-ups or existing businesses with rapid growth potential on floors four to 11.The plans also include nearly 1,000m of retail space, with 372m restaurant and caf space with terraces overlooking a revitalised public realm.The makeover will divide the tower into four quadrants with a crown at the top, and a podium featuring rounded colours and light-coloured cladding. The rebuild will incorporate 32 storeys the same height as the existing, but with larger floor-to-ceiling heights per floor.Camden Councils planning officers recommended the scheme for approval on the grounds that it aligns with the [boroughs] strategic objective of delivering new high-quality office and lab-enabled space in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter.AdvertisementOfficers said that, while the existing tower is not considered to be of architectural merit, the proposed building would be of high quality and would result in an overall space which was more inclusive, greener and more inviting. Source:British land APPROVED: 3XN and British Land's re-jigged overhaul of Euston TowerThe part-rebuild proposal sparked controversy over its sustainability credentials when it was unveiled for public consultation in July, featuring 25 per cent retention of the existing building.Sceptics included The Observers architecture critic, Rowan Moore, who hit back at the proportion of existing building fabric set to be retained, arguing the climate emergency requires a more radical rethink of construction [than] 25 per cent retention.However, a subsequent redesign following a three-part feasibility study by Camden Council advisers means that now 31 per cent of the existing structure will be retained.In their report to the councils committee, Camden planning officers acknowledged that refurbishing the existing building would be technically possible and more sustainable than 3XNs proposed part rebuild, which, they stated, shows low figures with regards to carbon reduction.However, officers concluded that, if refurbishment were not a viable option, the proposal would be reasonable given the design requirements for lab-enabled offices, which they acknowledged would result in higher whole-life carbon and operational carbon impacts.The report concluded: Officers therefore support deconstruction/demolition. Officers have pushed for retention of as much as possible, but have accepted substantial demolition is needed in this case to deliver on other objectives. Source:3XN (Taken from planning documents)APPROVED: 3XN and British Land's re-jigged overhaul of Euston Tower - massing modelBritish Land, which has owned and operated Regents Place, including Euston Tower, for nearly 40 years, previously told the AJ during a 2023 site visit that the company had worked hard to mitigate the carbon impact of the project and take the right approach to retrofitting the older building.David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, said the developer was delighted with the planning consent which he insisted would be the first West End tower in a generation, and likely to be the last.Lockyer added: This world-class building will provide the space for the UKs greatest minds to turn research into real-world solutions.The tower is ideally located at our Regents Place campus, where the Knowledge Quarter meets the West End, and where businesses can benefit from the great concentration of academic and research institutions between Harley Street and Kings Cross.The developer recently signed British generative AI company Synthesia for 1,860m at a neighbouring building, 20 Triton Street, and is developing a further 27,870m office and lab space at 1 Triton Square with Royal London Asset Management.3XN was supported by London-based architects Adamson Associates and architecture and landscape studio DSDHA on the designs. DSDHA practice director Deborah Saunt has described the building as a key gateway to Camdens West End.3XN senior partner and head of design Audun Opdal previously said the practice had developed a guiding hierarchy for elements which will be removed from Euston Tower.He explained: Where we cannot retain materials in situ, we are developing innovative methodologies for recycling and upcycling, working closely with research institutes to further this.