Sheppard Robson and Morrow + Lorraine are appointed for the redevelopment of Royal Mint Court site, following an invited design competition held by the joint venture formed by clients advised by Delancey and the LRC Group.
The prominent 5.5 acre site next to the Tower of London will be remodeled into a major commercial-led, mixed-use development, with improved public realm and permeability as well as retail facilities.
Sheppard Robson has worked on the initial feasibility studies to analyse the relationships between the buildings on-site and to understand how access to the development, positioned in Tower Hamlets on the fringe of The City, can be improved.
Sheppard Robson’s plan includes the remodelling and complete refurbishment of two inter-connected office buildings in the heart of the site. These are currently known as Murray and Dexter House and were originally designed by Sheppard Robson in the 1980s. The practice’s role also includes the refurbishment and extension of The Registry Building adjacent to the main entrance of the site and the enhancement of the public realm.
Morrow + Lorraine will be working on the refurbishment of the centrepiece Grade II* listed Johnson Smirke building, which has a significant history as the home of the Royal Mint.
Paul Goswell, Managing Director of Delancey, said:
“We are confident that Sheppard Robson and Morrow + Lorraine will provide the calibre of design required to revitalise the historically important Royal Mint Court site. The site is located on the edge of the City overlooking the River Thames and The Tower of London, a World Heritage site. Our commitment is to undertake a sympathetic refurbishment and part redevelopment of the historic buildings to create a vibrant mixed use working environment, retaining the historic character but providing modern office accommodation in line with what today’s companies want. This will include opening up the site and delivery of over 1.8 acres of public realm, thereby creating a new destination for Londoners.
Yehuda Barashi, principal of LRC said:
“Royal Mint Court is a unique historical site in one of the strongest inner city locations in London. We are very excited to be involved in revitalizing the site and creating a scheme that brings out its full potential. Royal Mint Court represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in the heart of London in over a decade. Our vision is to work with Delancey, Sheppard Robson and Morrow + Lorraine to deliver a vibrant new commercial destination for the City of London.
David Ardill, partner at Sheppard Robson, said:
“The more we analyse the site and its layers of history, the more interesting the project becomes. We are delighted to be working on a scheme that is not just about creating high-quality buildings, but also defining how they address their urban context. It is exciting to be part of such a unique opportunity with the potential to unlock such a large area of the urban fabric of central London.”
JJ Lorraine, founding director at Morrow + Lorraine, said:
“The chance to resuscitate the Johnson Smirke Building, the centrepiece of this historic site is a perfect commission for the practice. Sheppard Robson, DV4, Delancey and the LRC Group share our ambition to bring to life a building that enjoys a unique place in London’s rich history and to create something extraordinarily good.”