LONDON.- Bonhams is to build a new international headquarters in London to provide the most advanced salerooms in the world. Designed by award-winning architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, the building is to be constructed on the site of the company’s current headquarters at 101 New Bond Street.
The 20th century façades on New Bond Street and Blenheim Street will be retained, but behind them will emerge a new 21st century structure offering the most modern facilities and auction experience in the world. The Haunch of Venison Yard elevation, accessed from Brook Street, will reveal the new building’s unique features including three large new salesrooms (double-height with skyboxes to maximise viewing of sales), preview galleries, a café and high quality, daylit workspace for Bonhams’ specialist staff.
The new premises, with its accent on new technology and customer service, is a key part of the company’s plans to build on the growth which has transformed it over the past 10 years from solid, traditional British auctioneer to one of the fastest growing international houses in the world.
Construction work is to be phased to ensure that Bonhams’ programme of sales will continue unaffected. Indeed, as each stage of development is completed, Bonhams clients will benefit from better facilities and a much enhanced experience, including a cafe and welcoming public spaces. The project is to be submitted for planning consent in June 2011 and is due for completion in December 2013.
Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands is renowned for its innovative and high-profile designs, ranging from bridges to buildings of all types. Recent projects include the new flagship Tsvetnoy food store and restaurants in Moscow, and the historic La Rinascente department store in Milan. Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands also has a 15-year relationship with Harvey Nichols, creating their restaurant brand with six restaurants in London, Edinburgh and Manchester. The studio is currently designing a number of leading London projects including the new Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road. Close by Bonhams, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands is also designing a large mixed use development at Hanover Square above the Crossrail station and also has been recently appointed to design a scheme for the Middlesex Hospital site.
Robert Brooks, Bonhams Chairman, commented, “Over the past 10 years we’ve grown rapidly to become one of the world’s leading auction houses. We’re now starting to outgrow our existing premises and if we are to fulfil our plans for the future we need a new space to provide our customers with the improved quality of experience we believe they deserve. Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have come up with a concept which will be a real enhancement to this historic area of London and, I believe, the most fantastic auction setting anywhere.”
Alex Lifschutz of Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands said, “We’re very excited to have been entrusted with this prestigious and challenging project for Bonhams. Our design responds to Bonhams’ rich British history, the particular architecture of the locality and to realising the company’s vision for the future. We look forward to creating an important destination for what is one of the world’s fastest growing cultural institutions.”
