Camden Council has approved a new project in the effort to preserve and revive St Giles Circus in London, a proposal which includes a grassroots music venue alongside the preservation of significant historic buildings in Denmark Place and Denmark Street.
Designed by Orms in “close consultation” with Historic England, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Music Venues Trust, the new scheme comprises a music venue with a capacity of 280 people, adding to the previously-approved 800-person music venue in the wider St. Giles Circus scheme. The new design will include a basement underneath the Smithy that currently occupies 22 Denmark Place, with the Smithy preserved by being carefully moved off-site and returned to its position upon completion of the venue.
The design will re-instate the original courtyard relationship between a rare 17th century house at 26 Denmark St and the former Smithy at 22 Denmark Place. A new glass enclosure will shelter the courtyard and provide vertical circulation to the venue.
John McRae, Director of Orms, commented, ‘‘we are delighted to have secured consent to provide an additional grassroots music venue as part of the St Giles Circus redevelopment. This added to the large venue we are already providing ensures a diverse range of uses can be accommodated in this important central London location.”
Architects: Orms
Location: Denmark St, London WC2H 8LP, UK
Architect In Charge: John McCrae
Area: 19510.0 sqm
Project Year: 2018
Photographs: Courtesy of Orms