THE GYMNASIUM, ST PANCRAS
REFURBISHMENT & EXHIBITION INSTALLATION
The first time we viewed this building we had no idea that it was a key venue in the 1948 Olympics, when London last hosted the games. A used paper store for a major High Street retailer, it was dark, dingy and in a bad state of disrepair.
In the ensuing 14 months the building was transformed into a splendid exhibition showcase for the development of High Speed 1, part of the capital’s Channel Tunnel rail link – as well as being a vibrant event space for corporate users.
Vast quantities of 1960’s infrastructure were stripped out to leave spectacular internal vistas that can be viewed from the moment visitors enter the building. This process also involved the dismantling of a mezzanine floor and the cutting of an aperture to create a light well. Beneath the light well the exhibition space is contained behind 8.5 tonnes of plate glass.
One memorable use of this space was when we decided that we should display a 4.5 tonne cutter head used in the excavation of the Kings Cross tunnels. We craned the head through the front doors of the venue with only 35mm clearance. Then with the assistance of specialist lifting, positioned it inside a colonnade created during the refurbishment process.
Our work involved close and constant dialogue with English Heritage and Camden Council who verified the extent of the work we were permitted to undertake and specified the exacting standards to which we had to work.
project facts
- Sympathetic renovation of a listed building
- Gymnasium originally used in the 1948 London Olympics
- 8.5 tonnes of plate glass for showcases
- 4.5 tonne cutter head craned through a doorway with just 35mm clearance
related links
- View more images of the Gymnasium at thegymnasiumlondon.co.uk view
- View Brian Griffins photos at briangriffin.co.uk view
contact us
+44 (0) 1628 770 099
info@futurevents.com