Why YY? How an iconic building is being refreshed

legal matters

by Kirsty Tufrey

As the world slowly opens up, Kirsty says rms need to consider the new UK immigration system

At the beginning of January, a new immigration system launched in the UK, a ecting the way businesses can recruit overseas nationals. Given the impact on travel due to Covid-19 and the downturn in the economy, many employers had put a hold on recruitment throughout the last 12 months.

They are therefore yet to be exposed to the new requirements and processes they must follow. As the world begins to slowly open up and companies attempt to get back on their feet, this will be an important consideration for many. UK businesses that wish to recruit European nationals are now required to hold a sponsor licence and prospective EU employees are subject to the same set of rules as individuals from any “ Avoiding the potentially devastating £20,000 penalty for each illegally employed other country outside worker could be crucial of the UK. Under the new to the survival of a firm system, all new hires Kirsty Tufrey, Kidd Rapinet must also have a job o er for a skilled role.

They also must be able to demonstrate the required level of English, unless they have permission to work under another visa category.

Businesses accustomed to hiring workers from outside of Europe will nd the system to be similar to the old Tier Two route, but will note more exibility for employing skilled workers.

Since December last year, the skill threshold is now lower with roles such as au-pairs, PAs and retail, bar and hotel managers being eligible for sponsorship.

While the new system introduces plenty of opportunity to rely on the overseas labour market, in these di cult times, avoiding the potentially devastating £20,000 penalty for each illegally employed worker could be crucial to the survival of a rm.

Kirsty Tufrey is an immigration solicitor at Kidd Rapinet Solicitors, based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs. She’s available on 020 7205 4191

Scan this code to nd out how Kidd Rapinet can help businesses with sponsor licences or assist with managing them

30

Years since 30 South Colonnade was originally built

face the changing of a landmark

how YY London is more than just an update for a building that’s hosted the majority of Wharf workers in its bars

by Jon Massey

The steel, glass and stone of Canary Wharf’s buildings exude a sense of permanence. But, all around, the estate is in a constant state of change. New towers are built and old, familiar structures are being given new leases of life, as developers reconfigure and refresh existing properties.

Since 1991, 30 South Colonnade has stood on the estate. Occupied by Reuters from 2005 until last year, its orange news ticker greeted countless Wharfers emerging from the Tube station’s main exit and turning to the right. A majority (probably) will have popped into the All Bar One or Slug And Lettuce for a drink at some point – Wharf institutions as much for their location as the quality of their service ut the scaffolding is up and the building’s 30-year-old cladding is coming down – a prelude to work that will see the block transformed.

Developer Quadrant and its partner Oaktree Capital Management have embarked upon the creation of YY London – a complete redesign of 30 South Colonnade set to provide 408,000sq ft of o ce space t’s named for the shapes thrown by the building’s new facade sat down with Quadrant partner Julian Neave to find out more

driving force

“The goal was very much to design a building that was striking and beautiful, but also that changed the ground oor e perience locally, said Julian.

“We will be activating the space at the lower plaza level, but also at the South Colonnade level where the main entrance used to be.

“The new front door will be on the Tube station level – opening out into a triple-height reception area, linked to South Colonnade via a beautiful internal staircase. t will be active, lively and welcoming to members of the public. The lower level will have a coffee bar-restaurant, a rind-style operation there’s an talian deli that’s already interested in the space previously occupied by the Slug And Lettuce.

“There will be a separate juice bar and, in the old All Bar One unit, we already have interest from restaurant groups that are known across the capital. We want to make these easily accessible to both the tenants in the building and the public

workplace provision

“The South Colonnade level will house the more professional reception area and will provide great access to Crossrail coming from the other side of the Wharf, said Julian. bove that we have the o ce oors each with a balcony overlooking West ndia iddle Dock Level 11 has a huge wraparound balcony and Level 14 is a 7,000sq ft roof terrace. Due to the building’s location we have views over Jubilee Park and across the dock – green space and water – and that’s rare in central London.

“The terrace on top of the building has been designed with

“The goal was very much to design a building that was striking and beautiful, but also that changed the ground oor experience locally

Julian Neave, Quadrant

A series of artist’s impressions of how YY will look when work is complete towards the end of 2022

Julian says YY has been designed to welcome the public as well as people who work in its o ces

Scan this code for more on YY London

a pavilion that will be communal to a multi-let building or private to a single-let building, and could be used for board meetings right through to Yoga sessions, art installations or drinks parties.”

health and wellbeing

Quadrant was still at the design stage for YY when the pandemic hit The effect of Covid has been to boost plans that were already focused on the health of those inside the building, complete with a smart system for touch-free entry from pavement to desk

Julian said: “The slogan for this building since the start is: ‘Feel good, work great’. Our aim has always been to make this building the iPhone to everyone else’s Blackberry – we want people to be proud of it.

“Behind the scenes we have UV sterilisation of the lifts when they’re empty, as well as the air coming into the building and the water. We changed the air system so each oor can be separated and tenants can have their own supplies if needed.”

Other measures include the use of antibacterial copper alloy, oor patterns for subtle social distancing and the installation of hand sanitisation points.

sustainable construction

“By doing a refurbishment rather than building from the ground up we save more than 10,000 tonnes of CO , said ulian

“We are on track for BREEAM Outstanding and we’re exploring carbon net zero through renewable power, which would be brilliant.

“It’s going to be a very green building with a lot of great facilities.”

prime location

“YY’s location really is second to none – it is a great opportunity to regenerate South Colonnade, said Julian.

“One of the things that has come out of lockdown is that while we do like working in the o ce, we really don’t like the commute. That puts buildings that have great transport connections front and centre of the demand.

“The Jubilee line is excellent, people are increasingly using the Thames Clippers because they don’t feel they have to rush so much, and then there’s Crossrail, which will be a game-changer for travel across central London. We strongly believe Canary Wharf Group is taking the estate in the right direction – increasing the number of residential properties and retail above ground as well as creating new green spaces.

“While the old building was well known, it wasn’t perfect for o ce space With oor-to-ceiling gla ing and beautiful architecture we believe YY will stand out.” opening up

visit these venues from April 12

There are terraces aplenty in Canary Wharf, whether it’s ne dining, street food, breakfast or pizza you fancy after lockdown

Where?

Canada Square Canary Wharf

RESTAURANT | Plateau

This venue is set to open its terrace only from April 14 and indoor reservations from May 17 – email events@danddlondon.com for full details

Scan this code for more information about Plateau’s terrace or to make a booking

Where?

Reuters Plaza Canary Wharf

DRINKS | Bar Bolivar

After a couple of false starts in 2020, this Cuban themed bar is nally set to open its terrace from April 12 with Venezuelan street food to boot.

Scan this code for more information about Bar Bolivar or to make a booking

Where?

North Colonnade Canary Wharf

BRUNCH | Electric Shu e

While visitors will have to wait to get the full experience, this venue will have a bottomless brunch pop-up outdoors from April 14.

Scan this code for more info on Electric Shu e and its Prosecco and pizza deals

Where?

Crossrail Place Canary Wharf

OUTDOORS | The Breakfast Club

Chairs and tables outside this venue will be available for walk-in guests from April 12, with indoor bookings from May 17. Warm welcomes promised.

Scan this code for more information about The Breakfast Club