Ellipse casts a long shadow

11 April 2012

It is set to become the next big conflict between futuristic modern architecture and period Victoriana in the heart of London.

Plans for a lozenge-shaped glass and steel building, named the Ellipse, to extend the Royal College of Art in Kensington Gore could give the institution a brave new face.

But as the proposed £27 million building stands between the RCA and the Royal Albert Hall it has fallen foul of many wealthy and influential neighbours as well as more than 1,000 " Promenaders" and the Albert Hall itself.

Residents have condemned the building, nicknaming it the Eclipse because it will block historic views of the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, and have vowed to get it stopped at a key planning meeting later this month.

Objectors are accusing RCA rector, Sir Christopher Frayling, of bringing improper pressure on council planners by threatening to quit the area if permission is refused.

Architect Nicholas Grimshaw, who designed the award-winning Eden Project in Cornwall and the troubled Eurostar terminal at Waterloo, has failed to impress local residents.

Opposition to the development is led by Robert Tchenguiz, 47, co-owner of the Odeon cinema chain.

Mr Tchenguiz lives with his American model fiancée Heather Bird in the £18 million conversion of the former Royal College of Organists. The building, with its terracotta frieze, is listed Grade II.

"It would be a monstrosity", said Mr Tchenguiz of the seven-storey building which would eliminate his view of Hyde Park.

David Elliott, chief executive of the Albert Hall, has recently spent £70 million renovating the Victorian landmark. He said: "The RCA calls its planned building the Ellipse. We call it the Eclipse: it blots out views and is too big and too close to us".

Mr Elliott has also claimed Sir Christopher Frayling, who becomes chairman of the Arts Council today, caused Westminster planners to withdraw their objections to the scheme by saying the RCA would leave the area.

"It was an effective threat, as Westminster would be loath to have the RCA leave the borough,"he said.

Ironically, Sir Christopher is also under attack by the 20th Century Society, as the new building would require the demolition of the college's singlestorey Gulbenkian wing, which is listed.

While the neighbours consider the new building too modern, Alan Powers of the 20th Century Society suggests it is not bold enough. "A Day-Glo orange box, perhaps. Goodness, if you're going to make a mess of it, at least do it with style."

Sir Christopher is unrepentant. "I can't worry too much about the Albert Hall views", he said. "The RCA must not become a waxworks, an organisation and building which does not advance with the times.

"We need the new building for our expansion, and I hope there is no planning inquiry", he said.

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Ellipse casts a long shadow

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