The History
This Grade II listed building was constructed in 1903 designed by the Victorian architects Gordon, Lowther & Gunton. Royal Connaught Park was named after the original Duke of Connaught (Queen Victoria’s son). The foundation stone that he laid is still proudly in place on the site. The building became The Royal Masonic School for Boys until 1977 when it became the United States International University-Europe. Restoration specialist Comer Homes bought the property in 1998 and continued running it as a University for nine years. Approached through impressive entrance gates, the original historic clock tower sits within JFK House. This signature building at Royal Connaught Park, is named as a tribute to the Kennedy family who once resided there during the second world war.
TV & Film
Throughout this time the campus was used by Hollywood and British filmmakers due to its proximity to Elstree and Pinewood Studios in north London. It has featured in nearly 400 films and TV shows! Including the first three Harry Potter films, Monty Python’s Life of Brian and St Trinians. Its 1,400 square foot dining hall was used as Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the first three Harry Potter films. The hall can now be booked by residents for special events and several weddings and bah mitzvahs have already been held in there. The Campus is also used in St Trinians, Starter for Ten, Hot Fuzz, Children of Men, Eastenders, Spooks, and Silent Witness!
The Redevelopment
Although the planning process began in 1998 work didn’t start until much later. Our first building control inspections after pre-commencement meetings were excavations inspections in February 2006! The first phase involved converting the existing teaching blocks, residential blocks, and ancillary blocks into apartments. Retaining the historic features of this listed building site brought many challenges with regard to fire safety, heat loss, and sound insulation. However, this was overcome with the close co-operation of the developers. The most interesting part of this phase for our surveyors was the basement storey fitness centre. This is was located under Harry Potter’s Dining Room, and the construction of the swimming pool for the use of the gated community residents. Much of the original character is retained including the original staircases, windows, some original flooring, fireplaces, and exposed roof beams.
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