Details
Keywords Change this
Brutalism, Brutalist Architecture, Concrete, Skyscraper
Project timeline
1963 – ?
Type
Residential
Location Change this
New Oxford StreetLondon
United Kingdom
Architect Change this
Centre Point Change this
Description Change this
Centre point Tower was one of the first skyscrapers in London. The building was designed by George Marsh of the architects R. Seifert and Partners, with engineer Pell Frischmann and was constructed by Wimpey Construction from 1963 to 1966. for £5.5 million. The precast segments were formed of fine concrete utilising crushed Portland Stone and were made by Portcrete Limited at Portland, Isle of Portland, Dorset. Centre Point was built as speculative office space by property tycoon Harry Hyams, who had leased the site at £18,500 a year for 150 years. Hyams intended that the whole building be occupied by a single tenant, and negotiated fiercely for its approval.
On completion, the building remained vacant for many years, leading to its being referred to as "London's Empty Skyscraper". At that point, skyscrapers were rare in London, and Centre Point's prominence led to its becoming a rallying symbol for opponents.50 years later it's revitalized and it's best known of this current project: a community of 82 apartmants above a new public square, with beatiful views of the city.
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