The Broadgate Circle has been transformed into a new Civic hub at the heart of the Broadgate Estate. The changes dramatically improve and enrich the retail, civic and social amenity at Broadgate, whilst enhancing the original qualities of the space. The project integrates multiple functions including civic space, performance and events space, restaurants, cafes and bars all united by clear and direct circulation routes.

Built in the late 1980’s, The Broadgate Circle attracts a wide range of visitors throughout the year, particularly during the winter months for its famous ice rink. It is a highly regarded urban space, and all alterations to the existing arena have been proposed with a clear and concise rationale that is sensitive to the original concept. Built in the late 1980’s, it occupies an area of 6700sqm, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station and attracts a wide range of visitors throughout the year.

As a highly regarded urban space, the recent alterations to the Circle have been proposed with a clear and concise rationale. The changes have dramatically enhanced the amenity and civic provision, whilst celebrating the original qualities of the Circle.

One of the primary objectives was to reinvent the way people are drawn into the space by introducing a clear set of ingress and egress points. The southern entrance has been enhanced and now has clear and unobstructed sightlines to the North West exit, which leads on to Finsbury Avenue Square. Three new double-width staircases allow for easy movement between ground and lower ground levels.

Nestled within the 54 travertine columns is the reconstructed first floor restaurant, which is completely open beneath. It is now a wider, triple aspect unit with commanding views over the Circle. The first floor cantilevers forwards and backwards from the columns, benefiting from a refined structural strategy which transfers the additional loads back to the original columns.

The Circle is one of the best examples of the travertine use in the UK. The architectural detail and workmanship of the stone with interfacing materials is exemplary. Bronze anodised aluminium and Siberian larch have been used to complement the travertine, and the simple and elegant materials palette enhances the elegance of the Circle’s form and geometry.