University of Westminster - Cavendish Campus
University of Westminster - Cavendish Campus
We produced a Heritage Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment to advise on proposals for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a new Student Hub facility on the University of Westminster’s Cavendish Street Campus, which dates from 1971.
Building on our relationship with the university, where we had already advised on the refurbishment of its Regent Street campus, our work on this separate site involved carrying out research of the buildings of the Cavendish Block and immediately adjacent buildings to understand the site’s history and architecture.
We then advised on proposals which focused on sustainability, student experience, and the creation of new learning environments which were part of a broader strategy by the University to modernise its estate and improve student outcomes. Led by Perkins+Will, this project centred on refurbishing the university’s science and technology facilities housed in the Cavendish Building, originally constructed in the 1960s. This involved refurbishing laboratories, upgrading lecture theatres, and enhancing circulation areas to foster collaboration and accessibility. A key feature was the creation of a new entrance and atrium, which improved wayfinding and brought natural light deep into the building. The design also introduced sustainable materials, low-energy systems, and improved insulation.
To support these works, we prepared an illustrated Heritage Statement setting out the history and significance of the site, its buildings and context and the importance of heritage adaptation in the face of the Climate Emergency. This was public-facing, and was able to support pre-application meetings.
We then undertook a Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment to create a combined HTVIA. This analysed the campus from eight viewpoints and included existing, proposed and cumulative wireline views.
Client: University of Westminster
Designers: Perkins + Will