Following the news last month that the RIBA and the Mayor of London’s Office revealed the five shortlisted designs for the new Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) headquarters, it has been announced that Allford Hall Monaghan Morris's (AHMM) design has won. The competition attracted submissions from the likes of Foster + Partners, Allies & Morrison, Keith Williams Architects and Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. AHMM's proposal will be located in London's Whitehall Conservation Area and is set for completion in 2015.
According to the RIBA, the current Metropolitan Police Service headquarters, New Scotland Yard, is being sold so the MPS can move to "more modern, cost effective offices at the iconic Curtis Green building on the Victoria Embankment." This building is to be known as Scotland Yard marking a symbolic return to it's original home following it's departure in 1967. The building that AHMM will be working with was built between 1935 and 1940 and was originally designed by William Curtis Green who was awarded the RIBA Gold Medal in 1942.
Paul Monaghan, Director at AHMM, said that “this is a very important project for [us] with the opportunity to work with one of the most significant and longest established law enforcement bodies in the world" and are looking forward to working with the MPS to "develop a building that supports them in their changing role within the city."
Bill Taylor, an advisor for RIBA Competitions stated that "‘weaving’ the heritage and culture of the Metropolitan Police into the fabric of the building and the spaces that surround it" was important, as well as striking "a balance between respect for what already exists and the desire of the client to present a new, open and progressive face to the community they serve."
You can check out the other submissions here.
