The London Trocadero, a landmark building in London’s West End, has a fascinating architectural history that spans over 200 years of London’s entertainment and leisure development. Located at the heart of Piccadilly Circus, this building has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the changing nature of public entertainment in the capital.
The site’s history as an entertainment venue began in 1826 when it opened as the Argyll Rooms, an elegant assembly space designed for the fashionable London society. The original building was created in a neoclassical style, typical of the Georgian period, featuring grand reception rooms and ballrooms where the elite of London would gather for social events.
In 1882, the site was transformed into the Restaurant Trocadero, taking its name from the famous Château du Trocadéro in Paris. The restaurant was designed to be one of London’s grandest dining establishments, featuring ornate Baroque-style interiors with elaborate plasterwork, mirrors, and gilt decorations. The building was significantly expanded and remodeled during this period, establishing its reputation as a premier entertainment venue.
The early 20th century saw further changes to the building. In 1896, J. Lyons and Co. acquired the property and embarked on an extensive renovation program. The company, famous for their corner houses and teashops, transformed the Trocadero into an even more opulent venue. They commissioned architect W.G.R. Sprague to redesign the interiors, resulting in a stunning example of Edwardian baroque architecture.
One of the most significant architectural changes came in the 1930s when the building was partially converted into a cinema. The Trocadero underwent a dramatic Art Deco makeover, with the addition of the famous curved corner facade that became a distinctive feature of Piccadilly Circus. This renovation included the installation of innovative lighting schemes that complemented the area’s famous illuminated advertising signs.
The post-war period brought further modifications to the building. In the 1960s, parts of the original structure were demolished and rebuilt to accommodate modern entertainment facilities. However, many of the original Edwardian features were preserved, creating an interesting architectural fusion of old and new elements.
The most dramatic transformation came in the 1980s when the Trocadero was reimagined as a major leisure complex. The 1984 renovation saw the creation of a multi-level shopping and entertainment center, featuring a distinctive postmodern design that attempted to blend with the building’s historic elements. The architects incorporated glass elevators, metal walkways, and neon lighting, creating a space that epitomized 1980s architectural aesthetics.
In the early 1990s, the building underwent another significant refurbishment. The Segaworld arcade, opened in 1996, required major structural modifications to accommodate multiple floors of gaming machines and simulators. This renovation included the addition of escalators and new internal layouts, though efforts were made to preserve some of the building’s historic features.
The Trocadero’s architecture also includes several hidden gems that many visitors never saw. Below ground level, there are remnants of the original Victorian wine cellars, and some of the original Edwardian tilework and decorative features can still be found in less accessible areas of the building.
The building’s facade has always been one of its most distinctive features. The corner section, with its curved windows and stone detailing, remains an excellent example of early 20th-century commercial architecture. The original Portland stone exterior, despite numerous modifications, continues to contribute to the architectural character of Piccadilly Circus.
In recent years, the Trocadero has undergone further changes. Parts of the building have been converted into a hotel, requiring significant internal modifications while preserving the historic facade. These changes represent the latest chapter in the building’s architectural evolution, demonstrating its continued ability to adapt to changing times.
From an architectural perspective, the Trocadero represents a fascinating palimpsest of London’s entertainment architecture. Its various layers – Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Postmodern – tell the story of how public entertainment spaces have evolved over two centuries. Each renovation and modification has added to this architectural narrative, creating a unique building that embodies the history of London’s West End.
The Trocadero stands as a testament to the adaptability of historic buildings in modern cities. While its interior has been repeatedly transformed to meet changing consumer demands, its exterior remains an important part of Piccadilly Circus’s architectural heritage. The building’s ability to accommodate such diverse uses while maintaining its historic character makes it a significant example of architectural preservation and adaptation in London.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.
It’s a shame that so much of such a historically significant building is such a “low rent” mess these days, especially inside. However, another interesting fact about it is that it’s also home to one of (the main?) control and monitoring centers for London’s CCTV system.