BAFTA HQ, Piccadilly - Harley Haddow

Introduction

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) headquarters at 195 Piccadilly underwent a comprehensive expansion and refurbishment to enhance its role as an international centre for the motion picture arts. The Grade II listed building was transformed to provide upgraded member facilities, event spaces, and additional revenue-generating areas, while retaining and celebrating its historic character. Harley Haddow provided full MEP, public health, lifts, ICT, and security design throughout the project.

Gallery

Background

The project involved the expansion of BAFTA’s existing headquarters, including the reintegration of historic rooflight spaces and the creation of a new fourth-floor members’ area. Facilities now include cinema theatres, a banqueting hall, multipurpose event spaces, a members’ bar and restaurant, meeting rooms, offices, and terraces, all designed to balance member needs with public and commercial functions.

Challenges

The Grade II listing and retention of the existing structure, particularly the large glass rooflights, created significant challenges for coordination, temperature control, and ventilation. The presence of multiple stakeholders, including AV specialists, and the two-stage tender process added further complexity to the project.

Solutions

Harley Haddow developed a fully coordinated 3D Revit model to manage the integration of new and existing structures and services. Displacement ventilation systems were designed for the rooflight areas, with glazing properties fine-tuned using dynamic simulations to balance heat gain and light transmittance. Close collaboration with the contractor and stakeholders ensured a seamless delivery of MEP, public health, and technical systems across the refurbished and extended headquarters.

Project awards

Surface Design Awards 2022 – Public Building Interior – Finalist

RIBA West London Regional Award 2023

Winner of the 2022 New London Architecture Awards – Conservation

Winner of the Green Good Design Awards 2023

Winner of the 2022 London Construction Awards – Fit out project of the year

Winner of the 2022 Green Apple Awards – Beautiful Buildings