Prize-winning architects to revamp National Theatre’s brutalist neighbour

An unobtrusive rough concrete building next to the National Theatre is set to get restaurants and green spaces  and an extra two stories.

Prize-winning architects AHMM are to revamp 76-78 Upper
Ground on the South Bank, which is also near the soon-to-be demolished ITV’s London Studios.

Wolfe Commercial Properties Southbank Limited has confirmed that plans have been submitted to Lambeth Council for the refurbishment, alteration and extension of the building, designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and completed in 1983.

AHMM, who won the RIBA Prize in 2015 for Burntwood School in Wandsworth, will “sensitively” modernise the block after a “detailed research into the history and architectural intent of the existing building, creating a design that enhances and respects its
heritage and the surrounding environment”.
The plans, which the owners hope will boost the South Bank’s status as one of London’s most important
cultural and employment hubs, include:
• Enhancements to the ground floor to link it into the conservation area, public spaces and Queen’s Walk.
• New restaurants and cafes facing onto Queen’s Walk and the river, with a new public space to ease crowding along this section of the embankment walk.
• An extra two storeys “in a way that respects the existing brutalist architectural style of ‘stratification’ and setting with the adjacent National Theatre.
• Additional workspace to support an extra 2,000 jobs, plus affordable workspace.
Abdulla Al Gurg, of Wolfe Commercial Properties Southbank Limited said: “We are delighted to have submitted a planning application to Lambeth council.

“The proposals will revitalise this iconic building and help maintain the South Bank as one of London’s most vibrant places
to live, work and visit.”
Leading UK based property developer Stanhope will be development manager and LaSalle Investment Management is advising on site prices.

Construction work will take three years to complete.