Queen Mary University of London - Queens' Building
Queen Mary University of London - Queens’ Building
We have been providing structural engineering advice to Queen Mary University of London for the redevelopment of the historic Queens’ Building, which represents a major transformation of one of its most significant campus landmarks.
Originally constructed in 1887 and now Grade II listed, the building was designed to bring education and culture to the local community, the building once featured a concert hall, winter garden, leisure facilities and technical schools, and was known as “The People’s Palace”. Today it is QMUL’s flagship property that sits at the heart of its Mile End campus and houses teaching rooms, student support services and administrative offices.
The ongoing redevelopment aims to modernise internal spaces, enhancing student experience, optimise underused areas, and create contemporary study and work environments suited to evolving academic needs.
A central element of the scheme is the creation of a new enclosed atrium formed through partial demolition of some ground‑floor structures and modifications to the basement. This atrium will be covered with a glazed roof over the existing courtyard, transforming the space into a bright, accessible circulation zone. We initially appraised the existing structure before advising on the infilling of the existing courtyard. The basement will house new café and seating facilities designed to encourage informal interaction among students, staff, and visitors. Plans also include reconfiguring the south entrance and foyer to achieve full level access throughout the building, supported by new internal lifts and staircases that improve vertical circulation and inclusivity.
When complete, the project will provide a re‑energised social heart of the campus, bringing a more accessible, welcoming, and functionally flexible environment for the university’s community.
Client: Queen Mary University of London
Architects: Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects