Hutchinson & Partners have recently submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Brent for a new headquarters for Making the Leap, a charity that aims to guide young people from less-advantaged backgrounds into career pathways. The building is designed to emulate an office environment for young people to help them become accustomed to working in similar environments, as part of the training the charity offers.

The proposals include training spaces and offices for the charity, split across 4 levels, with external amenity provided through roof terraces. At ground level, the proposals will engage with Hazel Road and its associated Green Space through full height glazing and enhanced planting and public realm.

The proposals will also contain a new and improved community centre, which continue to provide space for functions and events to the surrounding local groups and residents.

Sustainability has been a key part of the design development. The building will benefit from carbon savings due to its primary timber structure, passive design principles to reduce energy use, and additional considerations with regards to material reuse and future retrofit opportunities. Combined, these will ensure the building’s longevity and continued benefit to the users and locale.