Cranes over the YMCA JLP01_08_099331
Central London YMCA, Great Russell Street, Camden, Greater London. The construction of the eastern three tower blocks of the Central London YMCA, showing cranes atop and alongside the structure, viewed over rooftops from the east... Read more
Cranes over the YMCA JLP01_08_099331
Central London YMCA, Great Russell Street, Camden, Greater London. The construction of the eastern three tower blocks of the Central London YMCA, showing cranes atop and alongside the structure, viewed over rooftops from the east.
It was announced in February 1971 that Laing had started work on a new building at Central London YMCA, to replace an existing building which had opened in the 1910s. The project comprised four residential towers between 6 and 12 storeys high, above a podium and basements. The towers would accommodate 1, 200 residents in over 700 single and double bedrooms; staff would be accommodated in penthouse suits on the top of the three lower towers. The towers were built on a two-storey podium containing restaurants, offices, a public library, and shops. Beneath the buildings were basements 16 metres below street level, for car parks, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a sports hall, and a conference centre. The basements and podium, which were built using reinforced concrete and structural steel, comprised Phase I of the project; the podium was built onto the foundation piles before the basements had been excavated. Construction of the towers began earlier than originally planned: excavated material was removed from the basements using conveyors rather than mounting cranes onto the podium frame, on which the towers were to be built. The towers were clad in 2, 000 precast concrete panels and had deeply moulded white concrete window panels, both of which were manufactured by John Laing Concrete in Princes Risborough. The towers were built in Phase II and the building was completed in 1977. A cropped version of this photograph was published in the January 1975 edition of Team Spirit, Laings newsletter
© Historic England Archive
Media ID 24303733
1970s Building Work City Construction Cranes Engineering High Rise Tower Block
Collections
Full Art Print Range
Our standard Photo Prints (ideal for framing) are sent same or next working day, with most other items shipped a few days later.
Photographic Print
Photo prints are produced on Vibrant Archival Photo Paper resulting in timeless and breath-taking prints which are also ideal for framing
Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw Puzzles are an ideal gift for any occasion
Poster Print
Poster prints are produced on Vibrant Poster Paper resulting in timeless and breath-taking posters which are also ideal for framing
Framed Print
Contemporary Framed and Mounted Prints - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Greetings Cards
Greetings Cards suitable for Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Graduations, Thank You and much more
Mounted Photo
Photo prints supplied in custom cut card mount ready for framing
Canvas Print
Canvas Prints add colour, depth and texture to any space. Professionally Stretched Canvas over a hidden Wooden Box Frame and Ready to Hang
Fine Art Print
The next best thing to owning the original artwork, with a soft textured natural surface, our fine art reproduction prints meet the standard of the most critical museum curators
Photo Mug
Enjoy your favourite drink from a mug decorated with an image you love. Sentimental and practical, personalised photo mugs make perfect gifts for loved ones, friends or work colleagues
Premium Framing
FSC Real Wood Frame and Double Mounted with White Conservation Mountboard - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Antique Frames
Bevelled Wood Effect Framed and Mounted Prints - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Postcards
Photo postcards are a great way to stay in touch with family and friends.
Glass Coaster
Individual Glass Coaster. Elegant polished safety toughened glass and heat resistant, matching Place Mats are also available
Mouse Mat
Archive quality photographic print in a durable wipe clean mouse mat with non slip backing. Works with all computer mice
Metal Print
Made with durable metal and luxurious printing techniques, metal prints bring images to life and add a modern touch to any space
Tote Bag
Our tote bags are made from soft durable fabric and include a strap for easy carrying
Cushion
Accessorise your space with decorative, soft cushions
Glass Frame
Tempered Glass Mounts are ideal for wall display, plus the smaller sizes can also be used free-standing via an integral stand
Acrylic Blox
Streamlined, one sided modern and attractive table top print
Glass Place Mats
Set of 4 Glass Place Mats. Elegant polished safety glass and heat resistant. Matching Coasters may also be available