The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has provided an update on the refurbishment of its headquarters 66 Portland Place, London, by announcing the planning application has been submitted, and its office operations will be temporarily based in nearby Regent’s Park for the duration of the works.
Designed by Carden and Godfrey Architects to blend in with the surrounding Georgian and neo-Georgian buildings in Peto Place - behind the college precinct in St Andrews Place, London - the Jerwood Centre was opened in 2002 by the then HRH The Prince of Wales.
The building is next door to the iconic RCP headquarters - where RIBA will share use of some facilities. The Grade I listed building designed by renowned architect, former RIBA President, and Royal Gold Medal Winner Sir Denys Lasdun.
The Jerwood Centre is a short walk from 66 Portland Place, served by both Great Portland Street and Regent's Park underground stations.
Image: Royal College of Physicians Headquarters designed by Sir Denys Lasdun - Royal College of Physicians
The temporary move will see an operating pause for the RIBA Venue, café ,and physical bookshop, however RIBAbooks.com remains available; selling RIBA publications and contracts, JCT contracts, Approved Documents, and a small selection of third-party publications.
Some of RIBA's events will take place at the main RCP headquarters - including the forthcoming Presidential Inauguration of Chris Williamson and AGM in September 2025.
RIBA CEO Valerie Vaughan-Dick said: “Having made enquiries with several membership bodies, royal colleges and cultural institutions, I’m positive we’ve secured a fantastic temporary home at the Jerwood Centre for our staff and invited guests in this agreement with the Royal College of Physicians. It’s important we ensure as little disruption as possible to our services for members, as well as staff, and those wanting to learn about the transformative power of architecture.”
RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said: “To have secured the self-contained Jerwood Centre and use of the iconic Sir Denys Lasdun designed RCP building in one of London’s most beautiful parks is exceptional. This ensures we can continue to deliver for members and provide an excellent temporary base for our teams only a few minutes' walk from Portland Place.”
Interim CEO at the Royal College of Physicians, Catherine Powell said: "We are pleased to partner with RIBA by welcoming them to the Jerwood Centre during the refurbishment of their building. This collaboration feels particularly fitting given that our Grade I listed building was designed by former RIBA President Sir Denys Lasdun."
66 Portland Place will remain fully open for business to visitors and for venue bookings up until 1 June 2025, except for the onsite Library and Collections access services, which will close on 10 April 2025.
As previously announced, beginning in Summer 2025, The London Archives in Clerkenwell will host key items from the RIBA Collections. Additional resources, such as books and the Robert Elwall Photographs Collection, will be housed at a temporary site in Stockwell, accessible by appointment.
The House of Architecture is a transformative programme that will focus on our architectural collections, upgrades to digital technology, and sensitive, essential refurbishment and restoration of 66 Portland Place in London to make it more accessible, usable, sustainable, and welcoming.
66 Portland Place will temporarily close to the public from 1 June 2025 onwards and vacated by 29 August 2025 to commence its refurbishment and restoration. The programme for the construction phase - enabling works, construction, and fit out - is anticipated to take approximately two and a half years.
