The Royal College of Surgeons of England opened its new headquarters in London in July. The College’s Lincoln’s Inn Fields building has been transformed from a sprawling warren of corridors, built in the aftermath of WWII, to a state-of-the-art training centre for future generations of surgeons and dental professionals.
The redevelopment retains the historic frontage designed by Palace of Westminster architect Sir Charles Barry, whilst the rear focuses on being high-tech and environmentally sustainable, reflecting the College’s changing functions as a home for surgical excellence in the UK and across the world.
Central to the building’s makeover, are the state-of-the-art learning, examinations, and event facilities, including the Professional Surgical Centre. This is complemented by the Lumley Library, contemporary meeting rooms, members’ areas, Surgical Speciality Association facilities, office zones, and a new public entrance and café.
The College is also launching The View, a modern, light, and flexible space for meetings, conferences, weddings, and parties. The View boasts beautiful views over the city, and a terrace for guests to enjoy on summer evenings. The Hunterian Museum, which is also housed in the College and is a popular destination for tourists, will reopen in early 2023.
The project to transform the building began in 2017 under the Presidency of Dame Clare Marx. Commenting on the building re-opening, the current RCS England President, Professor Neil Mortensen, said: “We’re immensely proud to move into our new building today. It is a wonderful blend of old and new, with an atmosphere that combines a legacy of excellence with future innovation.
“The College is looking to change the face of surgery in many ways. We have started our journey by creating a space, both in the building and online,