Did you know that the Royal College of Art is the most prestigious in the world? It’s had the top ranking globally for 11 consecutive years. As a result, it is renowned as a centre for art and design. It is aiming to retain this crown by investing £90m to upgrade the Darwin Building, ensuring it has modern innovative facilities to meet the needs of students, staff, and alums. We want to have a closer look at the plans here because they could have a massive impact on the area, including investors. We’ll be happy to help, providing the services you need from a lettings agent in Kensington and Chelsea.
The building
RCA’s Darwin Building is a lovely, historic Grade II property. The larger campus, featuring three linked blocks, dates back to 1960/63. It got a listing in 2001 so it would preserve the architectural and cultural value. Crucially, it has a fantastic design to complement the wider area, including the Royal Albert Hall.
The most incredible thing about the plans is how they carefully balance conservation and transformation. Ultimately, the goal is to create a modern teaching environment that benefits everyone. However, at the same time it is vital to retain the things that make the Darwin Building special.
To achieve the goals, there was extensive consultation between the architects, RCA, and key stakeholders. Westminster City Council and Historic England were both involved to respect the significance of the building’s historic and architectural value.
What will we see?
Things like schools, colleges and universities can have a significant impact on areas. They can make them incredibly vibrant locations where different people want to live. Investors would be wise to consider them. We’d be glad to help, especially if you need support from a lettings agent in Kensington and Chelsea.
The current plan for the Darwin Building is to begin work in phases, starting this year. The redevelopment will then progress steadily, with the aim for completion in 2032. Most importantly, the schedule will allow daily business to continue throughout, including education and research.
This regeneration project will be fantastic for the RCA and future students. It will deliver new teaching and learning spaces, particularly studios and workshops. It’ll massively improve accessibility too, ensuring step free access. There will also be a new cafe, gallery, and space for events, ensuring more engagement in the future and benefits for the local community and visitors.
One of the most impressive details is the plans will restore a classic entrance that faces the Royal Albert Hall. This will be a lovely new gateway to the RCA campus. Even better, it will also reconnect it with the wider area, including all of the amenities on Exhibition Road.
Speaking on the plans, RCA’s President Professor Christoph Lindner said the project is a “major investment in the future” of RCA. It will work to bring the community together because of new “dynamic spaces to innovate, question, and discover”.
Need help from a lettings agent in Kensington and Chelsea?
This is one of the most beautiful parts of London, an affluent area where people aspire to live. It’s got a thriving creative scene too thanks to the wealth of cultural amenities and educational institutions. As a result, it’s a spot that always appeals to investors.
If you do find the perfect property to invest in, we have some notable services for you. Crucially, we excel at guaranteed rent, HMOs, and managing properties. We can do everything you want from a lettings agent in Kensington and Chelsea, with great support and tailored solutions. So, get in touch and let us know what you need help with.
