Historic East London building to be transformed into “vibrant, accessible hub”

BW: Workplace Experts has been appointed by Queen Mary University of London as refurbishment contractor for the 15,000 sq m refurbishment of the Grade II listed Queens’ Building, to create a new contemporary, social heart for Queen Mary’s Mile End campus.

The project, designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt, will enhance the quality of the overall environment, optimising existing space and improving student study spaces and offices, while maintaining the building’s external heritage characteristics.

A new enclosed atrium will be created through the partial demolition of ground floor structures, alterations to basement level, including the creation of a new café and seating area, and the erection of a new glazed roof over the existing courtyard.

To ensure level access throughout, the existing south entrance and internal areas of the foyer and reception will be reconfigured and new internal lifts and staircases installed.

Appointed for its “unique personal touch” and understanding of the building’s cultural roots as the original People’s Palace, BW has been entrusted to bring its refurbishment expertise to bear on this significant project. With Planning and Listed Building consent granted, works will begin on site with completion due in 2025.

Chriss Pratt, managing director at BW: Workplace Experts, said: “It is a privilege to give such a significant, historic building new purpose, turning it into a vibrant, accessible hub that offers support services, informal study spaces and breakout areas for the university’s students as well as the many staff and visitors that enjoy this leading university campus.”

Gerry Ackerman, programme lead for the project at Queen Mary, added: “Choosing the right contractor for a project needs careful consideration, and it soon became obvious that BW: Workplace Experts had understood the challenges of working in a live Grade II Listed building while minimising disruption.

“It was also clear that they worked in a collaborative environment to respond to construction challenges utilising the latest technology, right methodologies, and encouraging ideas to spark and evolve. We look forward to ultimately having a vibrant, modernised area that students, staff and visitors can make the most of.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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