Gilbert Ash secures £40m RIBA headquarters overhaul
Summary
Gilbert Ash has been appointed main contractor for the £40m refurbishment of RIBA’s Grade II*-listed headquarters at 66 Portland Place in London. The scheme is part of RIBA’s wider House of Architecture programme and will include upgrades to building services, the external envelope, accessibility, fire safety, environmental performance and health and safety, with the project positioned as a pilot for the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
Why it matters
The project highlights current expectations for upgrading historic residential-adjacent and mixed-use heritage buildings to meet modern standards for safety, accessibility and energy efficiency. Surveyors may note the combination of listed-building constraints, planning/consent requirements and retrofit works that are increasingly common in complex refurbishment projects.
Key points
- Gilbert Ash has secured the main contract after a year under a pre-construction services agreement.
- 66 Portland Place is a Grade II*-listed headquarters and has been closed to the public since June 2025.
- Works include replacement of ageing services, envelope improvements to reduce water ingress and improve energy efficiency, and accessibility upgrades.
- The scheme includes fire-safety, environmental and health-and-safety improvements, plus a new step-free entrance and larger lifts.
- RIBA says the project will act as a pilot for the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
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