The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) have their iconic central London headquarters at 195 Piccadilly. The building has undergone a major transformation with a design team led by Benedetti Architects. The refurbished and revitalised building will formally open in early 2022, fulfilling BAFTA’s ambition to improve and expand their existing Grade II listed headquarters for future generations.

Equals were appointed on the scheme as Client Project Director, working on behalf of BAFTA to provide strategic direction to the project team. The role encompassed controlling and monitoring the project budget, liaising with internal stakeholders on the developing design, and reporting to BAFTA’s senior management team and Board of Trustees. Equals were also responsible for procuring and coordinating the delivery of loose FF&E. The completion of the project was successfully managed on time and within budget.

Highlights of the restructured building include; a refurbished entrance and events space and the creation of a new state-of-the-art screening room (Princess Anne Theatre). The project also included two new flexible events spaces, the Creative and Future galleries. One major part of the multi-million pound refurbishment was the creation of a new fourth floor members area and bar. This was achieved by raising and revealing the original Victorian roof lights to create the new floor – no mean feat in a Grade II listed building!