Architecture
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Richard Seifert’s Centre Point building – London’s skyscraper that has gained grade II listed status
A brief history of Centre Point
Centre Point was designed by internationally acclaimed Swiss British architect Richard Seifert, who also designed Tower 42 and a host of office buildings and urban regeneration projects. The Royal Institute of British Architects credits Seifert with doing more than any other architect to transform the skylines of British cities in the 1960s and 1970s with his Centre Point and the Natwest (now Tower 42) towers, as these enabled other architects to add their high rises in the years that followed.
Centre Point was constructed between 1961 and 1966 and stood empty until 1975. For this reason, it was given the nickname London’s Empty Skyscraper. The design was criticised at the time but finally recognised when Centre Point became a Grade II listed building in 1995.
Almacantar, Centre Point’s owners since 2011, used Rich Mather Architects and Conran and Partners to convert the building into residential apartments. The project includes a new public square and 41,780 square feet of retail space. Located next to Tottenham Court Road station, the flats will be well served by public transport and benefit from Crossrail links.
The genius of Centre Point is that the building has been able to continuously adapt through five decades whilst retaining its iconic status as a recognized skyscraper on London’s skyline. This redevelopment is the latest chapter in the fascinating history of Centre Point. By investing so heavily in this project, the developers are paying tribute to the long history of Centre Point and its recognition as a landmark on London’s skyline.
We at Ivar London have been delighted to have been commissioned to interior design one of the flag-ship apartments.
