The Garrod Building
Client: Beardwell
Location: Turner Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AD
Duration: 12 months
Project Brief
Pembroke & Bull Contracts Ltd was appointed by Beardwell to deliver specialist decorative finishes within The Garrod Building, a Grade II listed landmark located in Whitechapel. Formerly part of The Royal London Hospital, the building holds significant historical and architectural value and has been carefully repurposed to accommodate modern educational and student facilities.
Historical Context
The Garrod Building forms part of the historic Royal London Hospital estate and dates back to the late 19th century. Named after Sir Archibald Garrod, a pioneering physician and geneticist, the building has played an important role in the medical and academic history of East London. Its continued use as a place of learning maintains a strong link to its original educational and institutional purpose.
Scope of Works
The scope of works included the application of decorative finishes throughout a variety of internal spaces, including seminar rooms, lecture theatres, classrooms, the former library, a student union bar, and the Old Museum. All works were undertaken with careful attention to preserving historic features while delivering finishes suitable for modern educational use.
Key Challenges
Working within a Grade II listed building required strict adherence to conservation requirements and close coordination with the wider project team. The scale and variety of spaces, combined with the need to protect original architectural features, required meticulous planning and sequencing throughout the 12-month programme.
Overall Output
The project was delivered over a 12-month period and resulted in the successful transformation of a historic building into a vibrant academic and student facility. The completed works reinstated the architectural character of the Garrod Building while enabling its continued use as a place of education, ensuring its preservation for future generations.