Queen Mary University | Hart McGregor

Hart McGregor were appointed in February 2022 to be the architects, lead designers and leads of a multi-disciplinary consultant team for the Queens’ Building Phase 2 Project at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), a UK leading university with 25,000 students representing more than 160 nationalities.

The Queen’s Building, from 1887 and Grade II listed, is located on the Mile End Campus. QMUL’s overall objective for this project is to enhance the quality of the environment, optimise existing space and improve the currently outdated study spaces and offices while maintaining the building’s external heritage characteristics. The project involves the creation of a new enclosed atrium in the building through the partial demolition of ground floor structures, alterations to basement level and the erection of a new glazed roof over the existing courtyard. New café and seating facilities will be inserted at basement level.

It is also proposed to reconfigure the existing south entrance and internal areas of the foyer and reception, in order to provide level access to the building. New internal lifts and staircases to all floors will be created in the new atrium, and smaller adjustments throughout the building will ensure level access across all spaces.

These proposals will help define the Queens’ Building as the contemporary and social heart of the university’s campus, providing a much-needed accessible point of orientation for students, staff and visitors. Planning and Listed Building Consent were granted. Enabling works were carried out in summer 2024 and construction start is imminent.

Consultants

Structural Engineering: Alan Baxter & Associates

Building Services Engineering: AECOM

Fire Engineering: Affininty

Project Management: Gardiner & Theobald

Cost: Potter Raper