Purcell appointed for major Bank of England refurbishment

Purcell’s London studio has been appointed to lead a major consolidation and refurbishment of the bank’s historic Threadneedle Street estate alongside LOM Architecture, Arup, AECOM and Arcadis.

Designed originally by Sir John Soane and completed in 1833, the building was significantly remodelled by Herbert Baker in the 1930s and last underwent a major programme of renewal in the 1990s.

The scope covers architectural design services across all RIBA work stages, supporting the sensitive renewal and future-proofing of the Bank of England’s Grade I-listed headquarters in the heart of the City of London. The project will ensure this nationally significant building continues to meet the needs of a modern central bank while preserving its exceptional architectural character.  

Speaking to the Architects’ Journal (20 November 2025) Vivienne Grafton, Executive Director of Central Operations at the Bank of England, said “This is an opportunity to breathe new life into a legacy building, not through radical reinvention, but through thoughtful, intelligent transformation. The focus is very much on internal refurbishment and adaptive reuse, rather than an extensive new build. The majority of the investment will go into upgrading core infrastructure, replacing end-of-life heating, pumping and ventilation systems, and reimagining existing spaces to support contemporary ways of working. Any new-build elements will be limited and carefully considered, respecting the building’s heritage and planning constraints”.