Hanover
Westminster, Greater London
Civic Trust Awards Citation
The development of Hanover Square and its integration with the new Elizabeth Line station stands as a testament to the intersection of ambitious civil engineering and thoughtful urban design.
This project, undertaken in collaboration with clients GPE and Crossrail, is a remarkable feat, creating a dynamic and versatile space that not only serves as a transportation hub but also contributes to the vibrant fabric of the city. The project showcases a harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary innovation. The meticulous restoration of the listed Georgian townhouse facing Hanover Square demonstrates a commitment to preserving the heritage of the area, while the creation of a modern office building above the Elizabeth Line ticket hall adds a distinctive yet contextually sensitive touch. The stepped elevation, bold modelling, and the use of stone, brick, and bronze-finished metalwork contribute to the building's continuity with its surroundings while establishing it as a unique addition to the square.
The complexity of the project, involving escalator shafts and ventilation infrastructure for the underground station, speaks to the engineering prowess required to execute such a venture. New public routes linking streets and widened pavements enhance the pedestrian experience, with Hanover Square Gardens creating an oasis for those living and working in the area. The scheme has improved traffic flow and road-safety for those visiting, living and working within the Square. The addition of a new external courtyard at the heart of the site, adorned with trees and thoughtful landscaping, has become a vibrant social space enriched by cafes and art installations, it provides a welcoming space for the community to gather.
Associated projects that also contribute to the urban experience include the public realm improvements to Hanover Square to the east designed by Publica and the station ticket hall under no 18 Hanover Square by John McAslan + Partners.
Judges’ Comments: “Hanover is a successful blend of public realm enhancements and architectural place-making which has transformed the site into a modern, varied, and engaging urban environment.”
Photography Credits & Captions
Hanover_01.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 18 and 20 Hanover Square with pedestrianised frontage Hanover_02.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 20 Hanover Square Hanover_03.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: 18 Hanover Square above New Bond Street Crossrail entrance Hanover_04.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View from across Hanover Square Hanover_05.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View of entrances of 20 and 18 Hanover Square from Hanover Sq Hanover_06.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View of Medici Courtyard Hanover_07.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: New public arcade through Medici Courtyard Hanover_08.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: View of Medici Courtyard towards rear of 20 Hanover Square Hanover_09.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View of Medici Courtyard Hanover_010.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View of Medici Courtyard Hanover_011.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View of Medici Arcade from New Bond Street Hanover_012.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: View of Medici Arcade from Medici Courtyard Hanover_013.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: View of Medici Arcade from New Bond Street Hanover_014.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: New Bond Street refurbished facades Hanover_015.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: New Bond Street refurbished facades Hanover_016.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 14 Brook Street entrance Hanover_017.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: View along Dering Passage with Rhys Coren public art work Hanover_018.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: Rhys Coren public art work 'Everyone I've Ever Known' Hanover_019.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 20 Hanover Square restored stairwell Hanover_020.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 20 Hanover Square restored stairwell looking down Hanover_021.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 20 Hanover Square restored stairwell looking up Hanover_022.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: Jimmy Choo Academy in 20 Hanover Square Hanover_023.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: Jimmy Choo Academy in 20 Hanover Square Hanover_024.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: 20 Hanover Square foyer Hanover_025.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 18 Hanover Square reception Hanover_026.jpg, Credit: Jack Hobhouse, Caption: 18 Hanover Square roof terrace Hanover_027.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 18 Hanover Square lift lobby Hanover_028.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 1 Medici Courtyard reception Hanover_029.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: View of 1 Medici Courtyard reception from the new arcade Hanover_030.jpg, Credit: Paul Riddle, Caption: 14 Brook Street apartment interior
Overall Result
Highly Commended
Application Type
Large / Mixed Use Class
Credits
Hanover Main Scheme Client
GPE
Main Contractor
Mace Group
Architect
Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
Structural Engineer
WSP Group
Services Engineer
Hilson Moran
Landscape Architect
Bradley-Hole Schoenaich Landscape
Conservation Architect
Caroe & Partners
Heritage Consultant
Donald Insall Associates
Public Realm Consultant
Publica
Access Consultant
People Friendly Design
Pedestrian Analysis
Space Syntax
Lighting Design
EQ2 Light
Planning Consultant
Gerald Eve
Quantity Surveyor
Gardiner & Theobald
Project Manager
Avison Young
Please choose
Bond Street Station Architect
John McAslan + Partners
Bond Street Station Main Contractor
Crossrail
Bond Street Station Structural Engineer
WSP
Please choose
Hanover Square Urban Design Client
Westminster City Council New West End Company
Hanover Square Main Contractor
FM Conway
Hanover Square Urban Design & Lighting
Publica
Hanover Square Engineer & Project Manager
WSP
Hanover Square Traffic Engineer
Norman Rourke Prime
Hanover Square Landscape Architects
TLG Landscape, WSP Landscape
Hanover Square Access Consultant
Withernay Projects
Please choose