The Round is a landmark “wellness village” rising on a long-vacant 1.8-acre site near Blackfriars Bridge in London’s Bankside district. Developed by Hines and designed by Foster + Partners, this £1 billion scheme will combine offices, homes, and public amenities focused on sustainability and well-being. By 2030, the project aims to turn a neglected brownfield plot—empty for over 20 years—into a lively place where people can live, work, and thrive without relying on cars.
Hines, a global real estate firm based in the United States, leads the project and has partnered with Foster + Partners and Lipton Rogers. No direct public funding is involved; however, as part of its Section 106 agreement, Hines will contribute £74 million to Southwark Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy and £12 million toward affordable workspace initiatives. These funds will finance local improvements and community benefits, showcasing the developer’s financial commitment to Bankside.
A car-free design and 100% electric energy strategy place sustainability at the heart of The Round. Ground source heat pumps will meet roughly 95% of the development’s heating demand, and the buildings are engineered to be Net Zero Carbon in operation. The plan exceeds current UK building regulations for energy efficiency and targets top-tier certifications such as BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5.5-star, EPC A, WiredScore Platinum, and WELL Platinum for the office component. Extensive landscaping—including 100 new trees, green roofs, and sky gardens—enhances biodiversity and creates inviting outdoor spaces.
Wellness drives nearly every aspect of The Round. The site features advanced air and water filtration systems, abundant natural light, and quiet “digital detox” zones. Over 30,000 sq ft of the office tower is dedicated to gym and spa-like facilities, offering exercise studios, a pool, and hot-cold therapy rooms. Pillar Wellbeing, a specialist consultancy, is designing these amenities to support physical and mental health. Communal areas will host classes, workshops, and events covering everything from meditation to nutrition, extending the wellness ethos beyond offices to the surrounding community.
Three Foster + Partners-designed towers form the centerpiece: two residential (40 and 22 storeys) and one office (around 45 storeys), all arrayed around a new public plaza and a circular atrium called the “Round.” In total, the project will deliver 800,000 sq ft of modern office space and 433 new homes—40% of which are affordable. Architectural features like sky gardens, outdoor terraces, and external balconies emphasize fresh air and natural light, creating comfortable spaces for occupants.
The Round is conceived as an inclusive hub for Bankside. A 300-seat auditorium, cultural and educational facilities, and affordable workspace (20,000 sq ft) are woven into the masterplan. A new pub replaces the historic Mad Hatter, preserving local heritage, while the public plaza and pedestrian routes offer inviting gathering areas for residents, workers, and visitors alike. These community-focused elements—along with children’s play zones and event programming—help foster social interaction and a sense of shared ownership in this evolving neighborhood.
After extensive planning consultations, the project secured approval in 2024. Site preparation and enabling works will begin in mid-2025, with major construction set to follow by 2027. Completion is targeted by 2030, when The Round’s offices, homes, and wellness amenities are expected to be fully operational. The development is projected to generate thousands of jobs—both during construction and once the buildings open—while transforming an underused site into a dynamic urban destination.
The Round at Bankside represents a significant private investment guided by an experienced team committed to low-carbon technology, green infrastructure, and healthy living. By integrating sustainability, wellness, and community in a single high-profile project, it aspires to set new standards for urban development in London. Observers will be watching as this car-free, net-zero, wellness-centered village takes shape—an ambitious model for how future city districts can elevate both quality of life and environmental responsibility.
