For years it has served simply as a thoroughfare between Bloomsbury to the north and Holborn to the east. But following a thorough restoration, the Grade II-listed landmark Sicilian Avenue has achieved what many historic sites struggle to accomplish: meeting modern sustainability standards while preserving its architectural heritage. Sicilian Avenue's transformation showcases how century-old buildings can be adapted for a sustainable future.
The restoration project has earned BREEAM Excellent certification, which means it places among the UK's top performers in sustainable building design. The development has achieved an EPC B rating – a standard typically associated with properties built after 2012, rather than historic buildings structures that began life in 1910.
At the core of the Avenue’s sustainable transformation is its innovative approach to energy management. The site operates entirely free from fossil fuels, utilising heat pump technology for all heating and cooling needs. Solar panels on the roofs generate clean electricity, while sophisticated energy sub-metering systems allow both tenants and property owners to optimise their energy consumption in real-time. Conservation experts on the project worked to balance modern sustainability requirements with heritage preservation. This included installing secondary glazing to complement the original single-paned windows, to improve energy efficiency while meeting the strict Grade II listing criteria. What all this means is that the Avenue offers a new gold standard for low-carbon retrofits, and demonstrates how historic properties will play a crucial role in London's journey toward net-zero emissions.
The project's commitment to sustainability carried throughout the construction phase. An impressive 98% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, with three-quarters of material being recovered for economic or ecological purposes. Over half the materials used in the restoration came from certified recycled sources, including cutting-edge solutions such as recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard.
Looking to the future, Sicilian Avenue will promote sustainable urban living through extensive cycling facilities, including secure storage, showers, and lockers for tenants and staff. The design and construction team engaged extensively with local stakeholders, including Camden Cyclists and Transport for London, to ensure the development serves the community's needs. The restoration also earned an exceptional 42 out of 45 from the UK’s Considerate Constructors Scheme, recognising its outstanding performance in community relations, environmental protection and workforce welfare.
Sicilian Avenue now stands as a testament to the possibility of transforming historic architecture into sustainable spaces that serve modern needs, complementing people and the planet, while preserving their cultural significance.