King's unveils plans for innovative Science Gallery

Science Gallery London, which will be free to visit, will be accessible to all but have a particular focus on 15-25 year-olds, engaging them in cutting-edge research in science, the arts and design. The gallery, part of the global Science Gallery Network and a flagship project for culture at King’s, is supported  by organisations including the Wellcome Trust and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity.

This project will combine the innovation of the Science Gallery approach with the unique history and research strengths of King’s College London’s students and staff and King’s Health Partners, as well as engaging with the interests of the staff and patients of Guy’s Hospital. It will be located in Boland House, a beautiful Grade II* listed building on a landmark location next to London Bridge Station and The Shard.

The building currently houses a fast-food restaurant and some of the first floor rooms are used by King’s College London Students’ Union. The restaurant’s lease has expired and King’s is investing in re-locating the Students’ Union activity rooms to a newly refurbished wing of the building.

Professor Edward Byrne AC, President and Principal, King’s College London said: 'Science Gallery London will benefit King’s vibrant academic communities by enhancing their ability to engage with the public about their work. It will also expose academics and students to a wide range of interesting insights from people who participate in programmes and events.

'We believe the newly improved facilities will enrich Guy’s Campus and will provide a much-needed open, public space for the public, students, staff and the local hospital, residential and business communities.'

Deborah Bull, Director, Culture, King’s College London said: 'This is a big step forward in the university’s ambition to create opportunities through cultural collaborations for the public to engage with the work of our academics across all of the campuses at King’s.'

Dr Michael John Gorman, CEO of Science Gallery International said: 'As a ground-breaking creative space in the heart of London and a member of the Global Science Gallery Network, Science Gallery London will bring cutting-edge research taking place in King’s College London into new encounters with the arts and design to inspire curious minds worldwide.'

Planning permission will be needed for the project which will include the regeneration of the Georgian Quadrangle – currently a car park. The regenerated Quadrangle will include seating and stone paving to replace the tarmac surface. There are two options in relation to the statue of Sir Thomas Guy, which is currently located in the centre of the Quadrangle. One proposal involves leaving the statue in its current position and thus retaining the historic spatial benefits of the Georgian Quadrangle. The other proposal under consideration is to move the statue back within the courtyard towards the front of the Colonnade, thus allowing greater flexibility in the provision of public space and related benefits. Sir Thomas Guy was the founder of Guy’s Hospital and the connection to his legacy will continue to play a pivotal role on Guy’s campus and in the wider community.

The gallery’s entrance will be created on Great Maze Pond with seating and an external lift shaft which will have an iconic and bold design which will act as the beacon of the Science Gallery to the passing public exiting London Bridge Station.

A planning application for the project will be submitted to Southwark Council in early August. If permission is granted, the aim is for the Science Gallery London to open in the autumn of 2017.

Dr Daniel Glaser, Director, Science Gallery London, said: ‘It’s serendipitous that we’re publically exhibiting our plans for Science Gallery London’s permanent home just one week before we launch our new pre-opening season, FED UP: The Future of Food. Science Gallery is all about creating new experiences and making surprising connections between art and science. We’re excited to be able to give people a taste of  Science Gallery programming at the same time as we gather feedback on our wider plans for Boland House and the London Bridge area.’

An exhibition of the plans is being held at The Spit, Boland House, Historic Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas Street, London, on Wednesday 1 July, 12pm to 8pm and Saturday 4 July, 9am to 1pm. The plans can also be found online at http://bit.ly/SGLplanningfeedback. Feedback can be given at [email protected].

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