West End Central Police Station in London opened in 1940 and was one of the most modern police stations in the world at the time. RSK was appointed as lead design manager and project manager for a £12.5-million refurbishment and extension programme of the six-storey building.
The project involved the construction of an additional storey finished with a composite panel system to complement the existing stone facade. The contemporary external design of the building was enhanced by refurbishing the existing stone finish in Portland stone, travertine marble and granite.
RSK designed a complex, supplementary four-pipe-fan coil perimeter system, which required a high degree of service layers and risers. The demolition of internal walls, ceilings and floor finishes allowed for significant reconstructions throughout the building. New services such as flood wiring were installed, and extensive air conditioning systems were fitted specific to the function of their respective rooms, for example, for office accommodation and interview rooms. The completed project was opened by HRH the Princess Royal.