Topping Out at 318 Oxford Street

Severfield recently celebrated a major milestone in the redevelopment of 318 Oxford Street, officially named The Elephant, with a topping out ceremony alongside McLaren Construction. This marks the completion of the highest point of the structure, a significant achievement in the transformation of this historic London site.

Engineering a new future for The Elephant

Severfield has played a crucial role in this major redevelopment project. The existing structure has been reinforced with intricate steelwork, involving a traditional ‘cut-and-carve’ approach to the lower floors and adding three new floors above the existing structure to accommodate office spaces, a penthouse restaurant, and a Building Maintenance Unit (BMU), breathing new life into the building.

Blending heritage with innovation

Once home to a House of Fraser department store, The Elephant has been redesigned to historic roots while incorporating cutting-edge engineering solutions. The redevelopment maintains key architectural elements while introducing enhanced structural integrity through advanced steelwork solutions.

Overcoming structural challenges

Working on a century-old building presents unique challenges, particularly when original drawings do not match real-world conditions. Severfield’s expertise in precision engineering and adaptive problem-solving ensured that every element, from structural reinforcements to complex steel fabrications, was installed with absolute accuracy.

Shaping the future of London’s west end

The topping out ceremony at The Elephant signifies more than just a structural milestone, it represents the revitalisation of one of London’s most iconic shopping streets. This redevelopment blends heritage with innovation, ensuring that 318 Oxford Street remains a vibrant and functional space for years to come.