The Portico shortlisted for AJ Retrofit & Reuse Award 2025

The Portico has been shortlisted in the Adaptive Reuse into Other (over £5m) category of the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2025.

These awards celebrate architectural excellence in the renewal and repurposing of existing buildings.

While retaining and adapting heritage assets is inherently sustainable, it must also ensure modern functional and operational needs are met, particularly in healthcare. In this project, we transformed the redundant Grade II-listed Portico, formerly on the Buildings at Risk Register, into a new GP surgery for Hackney. The new facilities respect the historic character of the 1823 London Orphan Asylum while delivering a modern healthcare environment.

We worked closely with GPs and staff, the Patient Participation Group, local residents and neighbours, and the conservation officer. This collaborative approach helped us navigate the complex balance between accessibility, functionality, budget, and heritage. This resulted in the Portico as the new main entrance, with accessible routes integrated through the historic colonnades.

Meeting rooms are designed to open into waiting rooms to allow flexibility for special clinics and events. The surgery is also a teaching, training, and research practice, where students can observe consultations and patients may participate in research, enhancing services and patient care in the local area.

Our aim was to create a healing environment for the local community that respects the Borough’s rich history. Working with the historic fabric required careful repairs and sensitive interventions. The landscape design revitalises the colonnades, while soft landscaping introduces biodiversity and supports reflection and recovery.

The winners will be announced on 10th September.

To see the full list of shortlisted projects, click here.