The Africa Centre's new flagship building, designed by Frehaus and Tola Ojuolape, has been shortlisted for the Architects Journal Retrofit Awards 2023. The AJ Retrofit Awards recognise and celebrate the design expertise behind the vital renewal and repurposing of existing buildings, setting a precedent for ways to slash the industry’s carbon footprint in the process. The Centre is nominated in the Health and Community category.

The 1960s former office block was beautifully transformed into the new home for contemporary African culture and heritage in London and beyond. Freehaus were selected from a pool of more than 60 architects in 2019 and undertook an extensive research process to identify a series of ‘overarching design departure points’ that reflect shared traditions across the African continent and global diaspora.

Tola's interiors input brought The Africa Centre's vision of an authentically Afrocentric but contemporary and welcoming space to life. QOB Interiors were the main contractor for the project.

The Awards ceremony takes place on 4 April 2023 at The Brewery, Chiswell St, London.