Fancy stepping into a space where architectural drama meets horticultural history? This is Lawrence Hall and Conference Centre. It stands on Greycoat Street in Westminster. Before becoming a sports centre, Lawrence Hall was one of the Royal Horticultural Society’s prized possessions.
The Royal Horticultural Society owned two halls. Lawrence Hall was the newer. Lindley Hall was the other hall. Both were near the Royal Horticultural Society headquarters in Vincent Square.
Trevor Lawrence inspired the name Lawrence Hall. He served as president of the Royal Horticultural Society from 1885 to 1913. Lawrence championed moving the Society from its costly Kensington site. He wanted a more practical location in Westminster. The move happened in 1904.
Lawrence Hall boasts vaulted ceilings. Art Deco interior features add to its charm. The Royal Institute of British Architects awarded it a gold medal. The dramatic architecture made it a winner. Easton and Robertson designed Lawrence Hall. Construction took place between 1925 and 1928. Easton is credited with the tall parabolic arches. They rise from square piers. His design was influenced by Hennebique and Freyssinet’s reinforced concrete work. Since 1983, Lawrence Hall has been a Grade II* listed building.
Lawrence Hall underwent a major renovation in 2006. The renovation cost £1.2 million. Originally an exhibition hall, Lawrence Hall became popular for product launches and conferences.
In 2011, the Royal Horticultural Society leased Lawrence Hall to Westminster School. The lease spans 999 years. The price was £18 million. The Royal Horticultural Society can still use the hall for four flower shows each year. Westminster School now uses the building as a sports centre.
Lawrence Hall has appeared on the silver screen. It served as a filming location for Pink Floyd – The Wall. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade also filmed here. Other films include Richard III, The Saint, Killing Eve, and Children of Men.
The building still has original features. These include a vaulted ceiling and Edwardian turnstiles. It stands as an example of grand Art Deco design. Howard Robertson collaborated with Easton on the design. Robertson also designed the Shell Centre near Waterloo Station. He received the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 1949. He was RIBA president from 1952 to 1954.
So, remember Lawrence Hall. It is a place where flowers once bloomed and movies came to life. Now it is a sports centre. This building is a piece of London’s diverse history.