This landmark project brings together heritage conservation, sustainability and precision engineering through the introduction of a new Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure within the retained building shell.

Appointed as Project Manager and Employer’s Agent, Ikon has led the project through RIBA Stages 2 to 4, taking the scheme from developed design through to technical design and construction readiness. Our role has focused on maintaining programme discipline, coordinating client-side responsibilities and securing the technical certainty required to deliver a CLT structure within an existing and historically sensitive building.

The retained nature of the cinema has required careful management of unknown conditions, including concealed structural elements and residual asbestos risks, with Ikon providing clarity and leadership throughout design development and pre-construction. The project’s constrained urban location has added further complexity, requiring coordinated approaches to logistics, neighbour interfaces and Party Wall matters.

The scheme is now in the main contractor procurement phase, with a Principal Contractor being appointed via a traditional tender route. The procurement exercise is due to conclude in May 2026, with construction works programmed to commence on site in August 2026. Ikon will continue in its role as Project Manager and Employer’s Agent through the construction phase, overseeing delivery and supporting Camden through to completion.

This project exemplifies sustainable retrofit in practice: retaining embodied carbon, minimising waste, and re-imagining a historic building as a modern, low-carbon community facility. Ikon is proud to be part of this journey and looks forward to transitioning the project into construction and seeing this important scheme delivered on site.