King’s and Somerset House join forces
23 Dec 2009, PR 277/09
King’s is to work together with the Somerset House Trust to provide a new cultural hub for Londoners as well as an extension to the College’s existing Strand Campus, delivering innovative research and teaching. King’s is to acquire the East Wing of Somerset House, one of London’s most beautiful and iconic buildings, which will provide a unique opportunity for London as an arts complex in a building which will bridge the worlds of higher education, policy and the arts.
The signing of the 78 year lease sees the conclusion to what has been described as one of the world’s longest-ever property negotiations. Since the College was built next to Somerset House in 1829 it has been in various discussions to expand into one of the wings of Somerset House itself. Now, some 180 years later, this will finally become a reality as the East Wing, which was previously occupied by the Inland Revenue, is developed.
New home for School of Law
The ground floor will be converted into space for cultural activities open to the public for the first time, and curated by Somerset House Trust. There will also be areas in the building for studies in arts and culture and continuing education, and a learning centre. The top two floors of the building will be converted into accommodation for the College’s School of Law, which has enjoyed a tradition of excellence for more than 175 years and is recognised globally as one of Europe’s premier law schools.
The Principal of King’s College London, Professor Rick Trainor commented: ‘This is an historic moment for the College. I am delighted that we will be moving into one of London’s great buildings and developing a partnership with the Somerset House Trust which will greatly enhance the student experience and enrich the cultural life of the capital.’
Negotiations with Somerset House have been led by Vice-Principal Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman who adds: ‘The East Wing can become an stimulating centre of teaching and research, a place of debate and public engagement, a showcase for new developments in culture and art, and a vital contribution to the revival of the area as a lively precinct for culture and education.’
Gwyn Miles, Director of Somerset House Trust, said: ‘We are delighted that we are able to announce today this new partnership with King’s College, the next step in our ambition to see the whole of Somerset House opened up as a major centre for the creative industries and a cultural hub for London.’
The East Wing will be restored to its original status as a landmark London public building, refurbished to the highest standards with its architectural harmony enhanced and public access improved. To raise money for the renovation and the various projects to be housed in the East Wing, the College will launch a £20 million fundraising campaign.
Alumni suppport
Alumni, particularly from the School of Law, have been expressing their support for the acquisition of the East Wing of Somerset House:
'I am excited that this time we have done it. The intentions of the first Duke of Wellington and his Committee in founding and instructing the building of King's in the early 19th century will be more than fully realised - a unity of design and use. It was a stipulation of the grant of the land for construction of the College that Robert Smirke, its distinguished 19th century architect, should design it so as to blend with, and complete, the over-all Neo-Classical design of Somerset House of its 18th century fashionable architect, Sir William Chambers.
The stipulation was honoured, as also was the requirement that Robert Smirke should provide in the new building a continuation of Somerset House's facade and of its terrace overlooking the Thames. Now, it will become the most fitting and complete courtyard setting for the best of universities and its outstanding Law School. And now the deed is done I roar ‘Geronimo’.' The Rt Hon Sir Robin Auld, FKC (King’s, LLB, 1958)
'Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in securing the Somerset Wing as the new home for the Law School! It is truly fantastic news. I have spent years walking past and through Somerset House on the way to the Law School and it never fails to impress. To think that students will now be actually going into this magnificent building to study is so very special and they will be the envy of the other faculties. Nobody could fail to be inspired by Somerset House and I firmly believe it will attract many brilliant students and staff in the future.
My supervisor no doubt feels I am taking too long to finish my degree, but I'm glad if my procrastination has meant I will be here to see the School of Law move into the Somerset House premises. King's College London has always had a great pedigree and first class reputation but now it has the location to match. In the striking shape of Somerset House King's College has found a place that will excite, impress, awe and inspire future generations. What more could you want? I almost wish I was starting my studying all over again! (But I'm sure my supervisor is very relieved that I'm not).' Katherine Grainger, PhD Law student and Olympic triple silver medallist
'The excellence of the Law School has been in spite of the old buildings, quaint as they are. One of Europe’s top law schools will now be able to offer a fine environment, in one of London’s great buildings. Adding style and comfort to prestige is a welcome step, one to attract the cream of students and academic staff.' Lord Carlile of Berriew QC AKC FKC LI.D
Notes to editors
King's College London
King's College London is one of the top 25 universities in the world (Times Higher Education 2009) and the fourth oldest in England. A research-led university based in the heart of London, King's has more than 21,000 students from nearly 140 countries, and more than 5,700 employees. King's is in the second phase of a £1 billion redevelopment programme which is transforming its estate.
King's has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading. The College is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of nearly £450 million.
King's has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs. It has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest centre for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe; no university has more Medical Research Council Centres.
King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts are part of King's Health Partners. King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering global collaboration between one of the world's leading research-led universities and three of London's most successful NHS Foundation Trusts, including leading teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services. For more information, visit: www.kingshealthpartners.org.
Further information
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Tel: 020-7848 3202 Fax: 020-7848 3739 Email: pr@kcl.ac.uk