NEWS
Iconic London rotunda destroyed in World War II to be re-created
04-10-2012
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It forms part of the restoration of 10 Trinity Square with architects Woods Bagot creating a new development with a hotel, spa, restaurant, club and 41 luxury residences.
The original rotunda was regarded as unique and in its time and helped Cooper become a leading architect of his generation.
Now the internal courtyard space at 10 Trinity Square is being transformed using natural elements of night and day and reflective surfaces of glass and water.
It also includes a garden, flanked by an infinity edged water feature providing an open air, landscaped space for the public to enjoy while the principal tower presiding over the rotunda gives reference to the original listed structure of the building.
‘Our approach was to design a structure worthy of the original rotunda, and to avoid making an extension. This allowed it to be deferential to the existing building and tower whilst delivering a high quality, modern day scheme in its own right,’ said Rob Steul, principal at Woods Bagot.
‘The original design was approved in 1912 and exactly 100 years later we have embarked on securing its next century as one of London’s finest hotels and residential developments,’ he added.
It is hoped that the vision behind restoring the square will also remind visitors of its important role at a time when Britain was the centre of global trade.
The Grade II listed building in Beaux Arts style was unveiled in 1922 as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority, and remained so until 1971. The internal rotunda served as the rates offices where Port dues were collected, welcoming over 1,200 visitors a day.
Completion of the project is due in the first quarter of 2015.
