In Camden, a borough located in north London, a major investment is about to begin. It aims to adapt a 1960s Brutalist gymnasium for a new institution. The historic Acland Burghley School space will house the Museum of Brutalist Architecture (MoBA), which is set to be the first Brutalist museum in the UK. The project by Reed Watts Architects has received support from the National Heritage Fund and a number of foundations and individual donors.
The architectural legacy of the Acland Burghley School
Acland Burghley School was designed by Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis architects. The complex, which was completed in 1968, is today recognised as one of the finest examples of Brutalist educational architecture in Britain. Its spatial setting is formed by two long wings and three side blocks, while the most prominent feature of the complex is the free-standing assembly hall, connected to the rest of the buildings by a covered walkway. It is this building, which is under conservation protection, that will be transformed into the museum’s headquarters.
Renovation with respect for heritage
The Assembly Hall was designed as a hexagonal performance space and was intended from the outset to serve both the school and local Camden community. It was initially used for a variety of events – from lectures to performances and sporting competitions – only to undergo a number of ill-advised refurbishments over time that obliterated its architectural and functional qualities. Beginning in 2020, Reed Watts Architects is working with the school’s students and staff to restore the building’s original character. The project involves reconstructing the Brutalist aesthetic of the interior and bringing the hall up to modern needs and environmental standards. Upgrades include the installation of a flexible stage and seating for 300 people, the construction of an underground air duct, improved accessibility for people with disabilities and the restoration of the south façade and adjacent amphitheatre.
The social role of the Brutalist museum
The new function of the building goes beyond conservation. The museum is intended to act as a social and educational centre, accessible to both students and neighbourhood residents. As Nicholas John, head of school, points out, the Hall for All project promotes inclusion, education and the building of intergenerational relationships. The space will be used for exhibitions, art events and workshops. One of the current users of the hall is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, which operates at the school on a permanent basis and runs educational programmes, including the Live at the Hex series of community events.
Financial support and timetable
The investment is being made thanks to public and private support. In July 2025, the National Heritage Fund awarded more than £1 million for the project. Additional funding has been provided by Camden Borough Council and foundations: Wolfson, Hollick, Cecil Rosen and Reed. Construction work is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. Completion is scheduled for 2027. The project also includes the creation of a physical home for the Museum of Brutalist Architecture to complement the existing online activity run jointly by the school and educational organisation Urban Learners.
Architect/principal designer: Reed Watts Architects
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