Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands will compete with four other top practices

Local architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands is among the teams shortlisted to design the replacement for Scotland Yard.

The practice, which is based in St Peter's Square on the borders of Hammersmith and Chiswick is one of five now competing to design the new HQ for the Metropolitan Police Service on Victoria Embankment.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) teamed up to announce the chosen teams.

The others are Foster and Partners, Keith Williams Architects and two other practices with local connections - Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, which has designed the masterplan for the redevelopment of BBC Television Centre in Shepherd's Bush and Allies and Morrison, which has designed the planned northern extension of Westfield Shopping Centre.

Roger Harding, MPS - Director of Real Estate Development, says: "The competition generated considerable interest with the chance to create a new landmark building for London. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the world class field of national and international award-winning practices who submitted expressions of interest.

"The selection process was exceptionally difficult but we are delighted to have five such high quality architects on our shortlist for this important building. 

"The move to Curtis Green is an exciting opportunity for the MPS to create a modern and efficient working environment within this new headquarters.

" We look forward to seeing a winning design that respects the history of the building whilst reflecting the MPS need to modernise our estate."

The new HQ, to be called Scotland Yard, will involve the redevelopment of the existing and currently unoccupied Curtis Green MPS building located on the Victoria Embankment, London, SW1. 

The Curtis Green Building, named after architect William Curtis Green, sits within the Whitehall Conservation Area between the Norman Shaw Building and the Ministry of Defence. It faces onto the Victoria Embankment with views across the River Thames to London County Hall, Westminster Bridge and the London Eye.

The shortlisted teams will now work on their design proposals and will be invited to present these to the judging panel in September 2013. 

August 8, 2013