RCVS moves into new Hardwick Street office

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has officially moved into its new headquarters on Hardwick Street in Clerkenwell, Central London.

The six-floor former warehouse, built around 1929, was purchased for £22.3m in 2022. It was fully tenanted at the time, generating £1.4m in rental income between 2022 and 2023. RCVS began refurbishments in June 2024 once tenants had vacated and planning permission was secured.

Works to convert the building into a multi-purpose space for staff, veterinary professionals and stakeholders have now been completed, and the final cost came up to £5.8m, excluding VAT, at the upper end of the budget approved by RCVS Council. 

The redevelopment includes internal reconfiguration, a new accessible entrance, improved lift capacity, air conditioning, and upgraded meeting and event spaces. 

Existing fittings such as lighting, kitchen units, and meeting pods were reused where possible. The new space also includes sustainability features such as solar panels and recycled materials.

The building offers working floors for staff, including dog-friendly areas, and facilities for members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses. 

It also houses the RCVS Knowledge Library and Information Service, multi-faith and wellbeing rooms, and a recording studio.

RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett, said: “After a few years in a rented co-working office space, we’re delighted to have moved into our new home, designed not only to meet the needs of College staff, but to support the broader ambitions of the RCVS as a whole.

“Our new strategic plan has collaboration at its heart – the idea of being stronger through working together – and our new building will help us to achieve that. Whether attending events, exploring RCVS Knowledge’s archives, using the members’ area and meeting rooms, or benefitting from the outputs that the new space enables, the building has been developed with members and associates as a central focus.”

Linda Belton, RCVS president, added: “It’s great to see what’s been achieved through this project and my thanks go to the team who have managed the refurbishment and move.

“The new premises are equipped to ensure that the voice of the veterinary professions remains integral in assuring animal health, welfare, and public health in the UK, allowing for those all-important stakeholder conversations essential to setting, upholding and advancing veterinary standards. We look forward to welcoming members, associates, students and stakeholders alike in the coming months and years.”