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The Broadgate Circle has been transformed into a new civic hub at the heart of the Broadgate Estate. The changes dramatically improve and enrich the retail, civic and social amenity at Broadgate, whilst enhancing the original qualities of the Circle.
The Broadgate Estate is located in the north east corner of the City of London. This frenetic and active environment is complemented by the regenerated Circle which is now a bustling place for people gathering and social interaction.
The Circle covers an area of 4,150m2, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station. It attracts a broad range of City workers and visitors throughout the year, which is set to greatly increase as the Estate evolves over the coming years.
As a highly regarded urban space, the recent alterations to the Circle have been proposed with a clear and concise rationale. The changes have dramatically enhanced the amenity and civic provision, whilst celebrating the original qualities of the Circle. The famous colonnade structure, formed of 54 travertine columns rising to an impressive 14m in height have been maintained.
Project Summary
6,700m2 of prime public space at the heart of the Broadgate Estate
54travertine columns
11restaurants
“Broadgate Circle is the Jewel in the Crown of the City of London ” Peter Rees Chief City Planner
Clear sightlines and orientation
One of our architecture’s primary objectives was to reinvent the way people are drawn into the space by introducing a clear set of entrance and exit points. The southern entrance was enhanced and now has clear and unobstructed sightlines to the North West exit. Three new double-width staircases allow for easy movement between ground and lower ground levels. Other key changes include dramatic improvements to the quality and scale of retail amenity, and improved sightlines across the space by lowering the elevated circle. New kiosks and benches have been introduced at ground level which are positioned to maintain visual connection into the Circle.
Flexible design
The Circle is designed to facilitate an eclectic and varied mix of events including musical performances, pop up retail, theatre, cinema screenings, outdoor sports, etc. The drainage, lighting, planting and maintenance infrastructure are fully-integrated, enabling the space to be transformed effortlessly from function to function, day to night. For example, halo lighting is integrated into the open steps of the Arena, to illuminate the steps. The lighting is also integrated into the handrails of the terraces and decks. Projection technology is integrated into the design of the perimeter columns to enable images to be projected onto the Arena floor.
Built to last
The Circle’s energy loss has been greatly reduced by replacing and enhancing its wall and facade performance. In turn, this has significantly improved the efficiency of the centralised environmental systems which contribute to greatly reduced CO2 emissions. In order to further optimise the sustainable performance of the building, a centralised landlord operated services system was provided for all retail units. By utilising centralised services, the building has achieved greatly improved energy efficiency compared to a distributed model which is traditionally more energy intensive. Robust and regular maintenance provided by the Facility Managers will serve to improve both the ongoing efficiency and life expectancy of the equipment, in turn reducing waste and replacement.
One of the best examples of the travertine use in the UK
The famous colonnade structure designed by Arup in 1988, was maintained in the refurbishment. Formed of 54, 14 metre travertine columns. The Circle is one of the best examples of the travertine use in the UK. The architectural detail and workmanship of the stone with interfacing materials is exemplary. Bronze anodised aluminium and Siberian larch have been used to complement the travertine, and this simple and elegant materials palette enhances the elegance of the Circle’s form and geometry.
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