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Battleship Building, Paddington Central

This was built in 1968-9 as a Paddington Maintenance Depot for British Rail. It was also known then as "The Canal House" but became known as the Battleship Building because of its shape. It was designed by Paul Hamilton, who had to fit it into a site constrained by the elevated Westway, the Harrow Road and the railways. The central spiral staircase in art deco style is a significant feature. It won awards including the Concrete Award 1969. Parts of the inside and outside use mosaic tile cladding on the concrete, It fell into disrepair in the 1990s and was used for raves. It was refurbished as an office building in 2000 by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects, and was Royal Fine Arts Commission trust Awards building of the year in 2002. It then became the headquarters of Monsoon Accessorize. In 2011 BDSP Partnership moved in. The ground and mezzanine floors were refurbished by the architect Giles Bruce - who showed visitors around for London Open House 2011.
by David Hawgood

Created: Mon, 19 Sep 2011, Updated: Tue, 20 Sep 2011


8 images use this description:

TQ2681 : The Battleship Building by N Chadwick
2023
TQ2681 : Battleship Building, meetings area by David Hawgood
2011
TQ2681 : Battleship Building, Paddington Central by David Hawgood
2011
TQ2681 : Battleship Building and its concrete umbrella by David Hawgood
2011
TQ2681 : Jeanette Barnes drawings in the Battleship Building by David Hawgood
2011
TQ2681 : Battleship Building, ground floor office area by David Hawgood
2011
TQ2681 : Art deco staircase, Battleship Building by David Hawgood
2011
TQ2681 : The Rotunda & The Battleship Building, Paddington by David Hawgood
2011


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