New location planned for key cultural institution

The Museum of London has revealed initial plans for its new home at West Smithfield, designed by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan with Julian Harrap architects. Backed by the Mayor of London and City of London Corporation, the museum’s relocation from its current base on London Wall is among the largest cultural projects taking place in Europe, set to transform a campus of historically significant yet dilapidated market buildings into one of London’s top ten cultural destinations.

The museum will also become a centre for learning, focussed on the organiser’s ambitions to reach every London school child. Meanwhile, in a bid to reflect its 24-hour Farringdon location and boost the capital's night time economy, the institution will increase its activities past the usual closing times. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This spectacular new home for the Museum of London will cement its place as one of our city’s cultural gems and open up the museum at all times of the day. It is a landmark project that will reveal the fascinating history of our city to millions of Londoners and visitors to the capital every year.”

Once complete, the museum will become an integral part of Culture Mile, a partnership led by the museum’s authorities together with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the London Symphony Orchestra and the City of London Corporation with the Barbican Centre. Paul Williams OBE, Principal Director at Stanton Williams, stated: “In its new home at West Smithfield, the Museum of London will be an anchor for Culture Mile, a major initiative that will create a vibrant destination for culture and creativity at the heart of the city.”
 
The plans will now be subject to discussion and further development prior to a planning application expected for submission by the end of the 2019. Sharon Ament, Director of the Museum of London, said: “It’s been remarkable working with such a creative group of architects and designers who have delved deeply into an equally remarkable set of buildings. We’re looking forward to sharing the plans and hearing people’s feedback which we’ll reflect on as we progress into creating more detailed designs in the coming months.

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

This competition was first published by TenderStream 12.02.2016 here

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