British Land
Paddington Central Amphitheatre
The redesigned Paddington Central Amphitheatre serves as a dynamic social space within British Land’s 11-acre mixed-use campus at Paddington Central. Featuring undulating seating surrounded by lush greenery and a spacious performance area, it enhances urban connectivity and exemplifies the growing trend of incorporating nature into cities to promote well-being and resilience.
KEY FACTS
Project: Construction
Sector: Commercial
Programme: 44 weeks
Contract: JCT Design and Build Contract 2016
TEAM
Architect: Feix & Merlin Architects / Gillespies (Landscape)
PM: CPC Project Services
PQS: Equals Consulting
Services: Ramboll
Structural: Davies Maguire
The Project
Paddington Central, an 11-acre campus owned by British Land, is a prime hub located by the Grand Union Canal and Paddington Station, with direct access to the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line, making it a top choice for global corporates.
Our team was tasked with transforming the existing Amphitheatre into a dynamic, year-round venue for culture, music, and well-being events. The redesign focused on accessibility, with new ramps, stairs, handrails, and textured paving, ensuring the space is inclusive for all visitors.
The transformation also introduced new trees, resilient plants, and a captivating water feature that blends with the canalside, enhancing aesthetics and biodiversity. Over 40 perennial plant species improve air quality and support climate resilience.
Sustainability was a priority, with Earth Friendly Concrete used to reduce embodied carbon by 79%, equivalent to 758 single-car journeys from Paddington to Land’s End.
Beyond events, the Amphitheatre serves as a multifunctional space for lunch breaks, relaxation, and quiet reflection, promoting active lifestyles. The revitalised space is a testament to sustainability, inclusivity, and well-being, offering a vibrant blend of nature, culture, and community for all to enjoy.
Engineering Excellence
To ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of the mechanical and electrical installation, our Engineering Management team spearheaded collaborative design and coordination workshops with key supply chain partners. This approach fostered innovation and streamlined processes. The scope involved implementing new water feeds for cleaning points and a water fountain, as well as advanced lighting solutions to enhance the landscaping. The most complex and innovative challenge was the irrigation system for the water feature, where we introduced precision technology to improve water efficiency and sustainability, ensuring seamless integration with the overall design.
Community Connections
Situated in a bustling area with active residents and workers, we were committed to minimising disruption while adding value to the local community. Our team maintained transparent communication through weekly newsletters to keep all stakeholders informed. We also distributed a local area and sustainability guide to encourage passers-by and subcontractors to support local businesses and adopt sustainable practices. In addition to these initiatives, we introduced enhanced signage for better public navigation, and our proactive approach to improving the site’s appearance contributed to a positive community presence, ensuring the project became a seamless part of the local fabric.
Paddington Central’s Amphitheatre is a true example of how thoughtful design and sustainable innovation can transform a space.
Robert Strange, Divisional Director
