Competition: City University of London

The university has announced two separate contracts – the first to replace its Brutalist-style Centenary Building with a landmark £30 million facility and the second to create a £7 million rooftop library.

The first project will replace a prominent 1970s structure – originally created as an electronics laboratory and later converted into a lecture theatre – with an 8,000m² complex featuring teaching, study and other flexible student amenity spaces. The second project will create a library by refurbishing the sixth floor of the University Building (pictured) and creating a seventh-floor rooftop extension.

In its brief, the university says its intention is ‘to redevelop the ‘Centenary’ site [which is] currently occupied by an inefficient concrete building with adjacent service yard.

‘A high-quality architectural solution will be required to complement the Grade II-listed College Building to one side and the 1970s campus forming the north side of the square. Significant potential exists to enhance the university’s presence for visitors approaching from Angel as well as improve circulation and amenity within the campus. ‘

Founded in 1894 as the Northampton Institute, the historic further education college was renamed City University in 1966 and became part of the federal University of London last year. The university has 40 academic departments and specialises in areas such as journalism, business and law.

The university has additional campuses in west London, the City and east London. The historic College Building at Northampton Square was designed by EW Mountford in 1894 and is now Grade II-listed.

During the 1970s Sheppard Robson & Partners created a new complex – including both the Centenary Building and University Building – situated between Northampton Square and Spencer Street to the North.

The Centenary Building was originally known as the High Voltage Engineering Laboratory but was converted into four lecture theatres and renamed in 1994.

The latest project aims to replace the historic structure which occupies a prominent corner site at the gateway to the university campus. It will create a flexible and accessible building of up to five storeys meeting a minimum of BREAAM Excellent.

The deadline for applications is midday, 22 January.

How to apply

View the library contract notice for more information

View the centenary project contract notice for more information

Contact details

Ajay Bhosle
City University of London
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB

Tel: +44 2070408914
Email: ajay.bhosle@city.ac.uk