The British Transport Police is set to have a new headquarters as it moves from Camden Road to the heart of Westminster.
- Transport for London has entrusted Willmott Dixon Interiors with the refurbishment of a building at 200 Buckingham Palace Road.
- The extensive renovation aims to create a modern office space across seven floors, focusing on flexibility, accessibility, and sustainability.
- Logistical challenges are being managed to ensure the area remains operational during the construction phases.
- The project is part of a broader initiative to enhance London’s connectivity and sustainability, reflecting a substantial investment that remains publicly undisclosed.
The British Transport Police is embarking on a significant relocation, transitioning from their current headquarters at Camden Road to a newly refurbished premises in Westminster. This strategic move is facilitated by Transport for London, which aims to position the police agency closer to the city’s core.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has been selected to spearhead this ambitious refurbishment project. This renovation encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of the building situated at 200 Buckingham Palace Road. The design and build project targets a Cat B standard, involving the complete stripping of the building’s interiors across its seven floors to create a more adaptable and accessible office environment. Additionally, the project will integrate new low-energy systems in plumbing and electrics, aligning with modern sustainability goals.
Ensuring minimal disruption to the bustling area near London Victoria Coach Station, Willmott Dixon has planned the building’s refurbishment in phases. Roger Forsdyke, the chief operating officer of Willmott Dixon Interiors, highlighted the careful logistical planning underpinning this approach. He emphasised that the strategies in place aim to keep the building fully functional throughout the renovation period. Specific measures are being adopted to restrict project delivery hours to lessen inconvenience.
Laura Fernie from Places for London underscored the transformative nature of this project. She pointed out that the project would convert a previously operational facility into a 21st-century workplace designed to achieve net-zero energy objectives. Besides providing a cutting-edge workspace for the British Transport Police, this development is expected to deliver sustainable financial returns, fostering reinvestment into London’s urban development strategies.
Although the precise financial scope of the contract remains undisclosed, it emerges from Transport for London’s list of contracts that Willmott Dixon is operating under a pre-construction services agreement, valued initially between £5m and £10m. However, the principal construction is presumed to be worth significantly more, illustrating the substantial investment underpinning this crucial infrastructure development.
The new headquarters for the British Transport Police is poised to enhance operational efficiency while contributing to London’s sustainable development.
