Renowned architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) were chosen to redesign London’s new police headquarters.
A world-class field of architects responded to the design competition, launched in May 2013, to find the most suitable design proposal for the building. AHMM’s winning design envisaged a police headquarters that would be more open and accessible and which would help the Met to reconnect with the public, whilst respecting the heritage of the Whitehall Conservation Area in which it is sited.
Key design features include a new public entrance pavilion, extensions to the building itself and the creation of public open spaces. The world-famous revolving sign will be retained as well as the Eternal Flame and Roll of Honour, currently located at New Scotland Yard in Victoria.
The building was completed and in operation from January 2017 and has since won a number of awards:
Awards:
- British Construction Industry Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award 2017
- AJ retrofit Award, best office over 10,000m2 2017
- NLA Conservation and retrofit - commendation 2017
- RIBA London Region Award 2017
- RIBA National Award 2017
- Building Magazine Project of the Year 2017
"Scotland Yard is returning to its historical home in Whitehall. The new, smaller Met HQ will help deliver a 21st century police force and AHMM's design, which includes a public space, will help Londoners to reconnect with the Met. By selling outdated and impractical buildings like the New Scotland Yard that are costly to maintain, we can reduce property running costs. The money raised from the sale of these buildings will be ploughed back into frontline policing so that our officers are equipped with the tools and technology they need to fight crime and to continue to keep London safe." Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh
"The decision to conduct an architectural design competition for the new Metropolitan Police HQ was influenced by the challenges posed by a refurbishment, turn-key project in the public sector. The professional advice and support from the RIBA Competition team was especially receptive to the particular aspects of programme, finance, governance and procurement for this scheme in compiling the Competition Brief. Local Authority Town Planning, public participation and Peer review as part of the Competition process significantly contributed to informing the choice made and ensuring a successful outcome. The quality and volume of the interest shown far exceeded expectations and has resulted in an eagerly awaited building." Roger Harding, Director Real Estate Development, Property Services Department - Resources Directorate, Metropolitan Police Service
