University of London set to receive huge £42m makeover with BAM

City, University of London has chosen BAM London region to create a new landmark building for the City Law School.

The 7,240 m2 new provision, which BAM won in competition with Wates and Morgan Sindall, was tendered under the Southern Construction Framework.

Its value stands around £42m, with the works involving rationalising four existing buildings that form a corner at Sebastian Street and Goswell Road, EC1.

Andy Mason, construction director for BAM, said: “This is a typically challenging London scheme which will require a highly adaptable approach, very careful planning and top logistics.

“But this is what we bring to the table, and it’s going to be an absorbing construction challenge. We’ll end up creating more space and flexibility and greater coherence in these upgraded buildings which will provide for the university’s current and future needs.”

Two of these - a prefabricated health centre from the 1970s and a former factory from 1947 - will be demolished. Two other buildings, former factories at Goswell Road and the Myddleton Building, will be retained, but integrated into the new campus.

The university is said to be conscious of the need to respect the local residential developments and the conservation area between the buildings (Northampton Square), and the surrounding Georgian architecture, which will require tree planting and sensitive design.

The architect is the award-winning practice, Wilkinson Eyre.

Ed Kevin, who is head of projects at City, University of London said: “This is an exciting and significant project for City, being our largest investment in the estate, and first new build, in over a decade.

“The end result will transform the Sebastian Street site and provide The City Law School with a fantastic new home at our main campus that will enhance our presence on Goswell Road, and act as a visual marker to the university.”

Work is now commencing on site, and is expected to be completed in 2019.