Lilywhite House
Background
TSL were initially engaged by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to investigate and resolve ongoing water ingress issues affecting Lilywhite House, the Club’s administrative headquarters and home to the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET).
The building forms a key part of the wider Northumberland Development Project and remains a highly active, multi-use environment incorporating office accommodation, educational facilities and public-facing commercial space.
Following our intrusive investigations, consultancy support and temporary repair works, it became apparent that the existing waterproofing arrangement to the West Terrace areas had failed and that a full replacement solution was required. Following a tender period TSL were subsequently appointed to deliver a complete design and build refurbishment package that would not only resolve the ingress issues, but also improve the long-term functionality and usability of the terrace spaces.
Scope of Service
The original project scope comprised the replacement of the waterproofing system to the 3rd and 4th floor West Terraces. The proposed solution needed to provide a robust and fully warranted waterproofing system, improve drainage performance and create a durable recreational space suitable for continued student and staff use.
Working as Principal Contractor, TSL delivered a full turnkey solution incorporating design development, sequencing, stakeholder management and installation. Following early engagement with the London Academy of Excellence, the project scope expanded to include the installation of a bespoke pergola structure complete with retractable roof and integrated lighting.
The upgraded terrace space was designed to support both day-to-day student use and hospitality functions associated with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium events, significantly enhancing the long-term value and flexibility of the space.
| Location | London |
| Industry | Stadia |
| Date Completed | September 2025 |
| Project Duration | 17 Weeks |
| Client | Tottenham Hotspur Football Club |
Materials
A significant period of technical review and design development was undertaken to identify a waterproofing system capable of withstanding high levels of foot traffic while maintaining long-term performance.
TSL worked closely with Westwood Liquid Technologies to develop a bespoke Wecryl waterproofing specification incorporating a tapered insulation scheme to improve falls and drainage across the terrace areas. Due to the anticipated loading and frequency of use, the system also incorporated a cement particle board layer to provide enhanced durability and structural performance beneath the finished surface.
Key materials and systems included:
- Westwood Wecryl waterproofing system
- Tapered insulation scheme
- Cement particle board overlay system
- Bespoke pergola structure with retractable canopy
- Integrated lighting installation
- Enhanced drainage detailing and outlets
Challenges and Solutions
One of the primary challenges associated with the project was delivering extensive refurbishment works within a live and operational environment. Lilywhite House remained fully occupied throughout the programme, requiring careful coordination with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, LAET and the wider stadium operations team.
The project was delivered in four carefully planned phases to ensure sections of the terrace remained accessible throughout the works. This approach enabled students and staff to retain use of their only external recreational space during construction while maintaining safe segregation between the occupied and working areas.
The building’s fire evacuation strategy also presented additional logistical considerations, as designated roof areas formed part of the emergency escape arrangement. TSL implemented strict housekeeping procedures and carefully managed material storage and access routes to always ensure compliance with all fire safety requirements.
Programme management was further complicated by seasonal weather conditions. Due to the temperature-sensitive nature of the waterproofing installation, TSL adapted working hours during periods of elevated summer temperatures, introducing earlier starts and adjusted shifts to maintain installation quality and programme continuity ahead of the students returning to site.
In addition to the technical and operational challenges, the site’s location adjacent to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium required ongoing liaison around event days, crowd management and logistical restrictions. Despite these complexities, all works were completed while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the building and surrounding facilities.
Occupant and Stakeholder Management
Given the live nature of the building, stakeholder engagement formed a critical part of the project’s success. TSL maintained regular communication with the client, facilities teams and building occupants throughout the programme to ensure disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.
Special arrangements were implemented during stadium event days to accommodate crowd movements and operational requirements, while hoarding and segregation measures ensured safe pedestrian access around the building at all times.
TSL also supported local community initiatives through the donation of removed artificial grass and decking materials to community projects associated with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, reinforcing the project’s wider social value contribution.
Successful Outcome
The completed refurbishment successfully resolved the longstanding water ingress issues affecting the building while significantly improving the usability, appearance and long-term performance of the terrace areas.
By combining technical design expertise with careful stakeholder management and phased delivery planning, TSL were able to complete the works within the live environment without impacting the day-to-day operation of the facility.
The project further strengthened TSL’s ongoing relationship with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, with the business continuing to provide strategic guidance and budget planning support for future phased roofing investments across the wider estate.
