Landmark exhibition celebrates Norman Shaw North’s progress
This summer, we were proud to host a groundbreaking exhibition, in partnership with Parliament, showcasing the work underway to transform the Norman Shaw North building on the Parliamentary Estate.
The exhibition offered insight and viewpoints from experts involved in the complex restoration and refurbishment. Hundreds of visitors from across Parliament came to explore interactive displays, historic artefacts uncovered during construction and films showcasing the ongoing works. A scale model of the refurbished Grade I Listed building also gave attendees a glimpse into its future layout and features.
As part of the exhibition, the team ran a series of lunchtime talks covering the building’s architecture and design, apprenticeships and training delivered during the project, as well as the specialist skills and heritage crafts being employed.
Speakers included Strategic Estates Heritage Architect Matt Woollven, BDP Consultant Director Christopher Burton, Stonewest Improver Mason Emily Guest, Stonewest Trainee Gayle Lazda, and specialist contractors Jim Watts (Locker & Riley) and Barry Kelly (John F Hunt).
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many parliamentarians and colleagues expressing excitement and anticipation for the project’s completion next year.
One attendee said, “Well done – great exhibition and videos excellent”, while another said, “Very informative for a non-construction person.” Many were impressed with the display of the project, with one person saying, “Great exhibition and gives a snapshot of the work.”
A huge thank you to everyone involved in delivering this inspiring event!
Norman Shaw North over the years
1890
1890 The construction of New Scotland Yard (now Norman Shaw North) headquarters for the Metropolitan Police, completes on the site of partially constructed National Opera House beside the Thames.
1906
Successful construction of the adjacent Scotland House (Norman Shaw South) as an expansion for the Metropolitan Police.
1940
Extension to New Scotland Yard designed to the north of the original building by the architect William Curtis Green, after whom Curtis Green Gate is named.
1941
South-eastern corner of New Scotland Yard is hit by a delayed action high explosive bomb during the blitz, on the morning after the House of Commons chamber is destroyed.
The bomb explodes at 6:30am, collapsing part of the south-eastern turret and penetrating to the basement level, causing minor injuries to two people.
1965
Both buildings are sold to the Ministry of Public Building and Works, renamed Norman Shaw North and South, and the Metropolitan Police are relocated to new premises in Broadway.
1974
Norman Shaw North reopens following conversion to new Parliamentary accommodation. Listed Grade II in 1970, it is the only building other than the Palace on the estate that is Grade I.
2003
Offices within the Norman Shaw buildings become home to the Leader of the Opposition, starting with Michael Howard.
2022
Main works on new refurbishment at Norman Shaw North begin. The length of time since previous works on the building necessitates the need for a full refurbishment.
2025
A year of milestones.
This year marks a number of important milestones for Norman Shaw North. The External scaffolding has started to come down, unveiling the building's refurbished facade and installation of the new atrium roof begins.
