Without doubt one of the finest and most historic projects we’ve had the pleasure of managing over the last decade, 176 Blackfriars Road is a building that truly stands out.
Originally the headquarters of the Sons of Temperance Society, a sobriety society, from 1910 to 2013, the building had sadly been left vacant for more than ten years. During that time it was repeatedly squatted and fell into disrepair. Today, thanks to a powerful collaboration with Onwards and Upwards, it has been brought back to life and restored to its former glory.
The transformation goes far beyond bricks and mortar. The building now supports working professionals with genuinely affordable housing while also helping ex-offenders break free from the cycle of reoffending by creating meaningful employment opportunities that can change lives for good.
On the ground floor, XO Bikes offers drop-in bike servicing and sales, creating a hub for cyclists in the area. At the rear, XO Barbers has launched its finishing school — an inspiring initiative that trains prison leavers to become fully qualified barbers and supports their transition into stable employment.
Upstairs, the building has been transformed into some of the finest accommodation in London, offering high-quality living spaces to working professionals at around 50% below market rent, proving that affordability and quality can go hand in hand.
If you’d like to experience the project for yourself, you can stop by for a haircut at XO Barbers for just £5 (including a flat white, serious savings!) and learn more about the incredible work taking place there. Tours of the building are also available for those interested in seeing the transformation up close.
Projects like this show what’s possible when historic buildings, social purpose and entrepreneurial energy come together.