The “deep retrofit” of Bush House South West Wing is set to open in September 2027, King’s College London announced.
This article was originally published in print on 28 November 2024.
The refit is led by architect firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and aims to “set the tone for the future of King’s as an elite learning institution”. Plans showcase ‘The King’s Agora’ – a flagship venue and lecture theatre with a 360-degree screen setup, envisioned as the future heart of student life at King’s.
According to KCL, the Bush House South West Wing will be their “most sustainable building”. In a press release, architects KPF said they had taken steps to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction by retaining the existing structure of the building.
They also plan to reduce operational carbon emissions by upgrading the fabric of the building to be more energy-efficient.
Nick O’Donnell, Executive Director of Estates & Facilities at KCL, said: “We are extremely excited about refurbishing the South West Wing of Bush House, to bring the building into operational use for staff and students.”
He continued: “This will significantly improve the experience for students at our Strand Campus, whilst also capturing the full use of the pedestrianised Strand as an extension of our campus.”
KPF Principal Elie Gamburg said: “The transformation of Bush House South West Wing addresses many of the problems that face universities today, such as how to adapt historic or legacy buildings to meet emerging requirements. […] The design accommodates current teaching methods, improves accessibility, and raises the wellbeing of students and staff. It also engages with the newly pedestrianised Strand and improves environmental performance to meet King’s goals for decarbonisation.”
The redevelopment of the South West wing comes as KCL’s lease on the Virginia Woolf Building ends in Autumn 2025.
On the expiry of the lease, over 700 staff from three faculties and five professional services areas will be forced to move to alternative locations.
Work is underway to refurbish several King’s buildings to accommodate these departments.
Roar asked KCL for information regarding the estimated costs of the Bush House refurbishment but received no response.
Further investigation will be pursued in the coming weeks.
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