(Article from London Roar June Edition)
As many members will be aware, the balcony at the Club needs to be replaced and work has been underway for an exciting new balcony.
Historical background
A balcony has been a significant part of the main elevation of the clubhouse since the Club was established on its present site in 1871. The earliest photographic evidence shows an ornate covered balcony which was supported by the corbels that can still be seen today.
This balcony was replaced in 1921 with the existing balcony. The existing balcony also had a canopy but for many years it has been uncovered, possibly as a result of the canopy falling into disrepair. A wonderful painting showing the existing balcony with its canopy hangs above the fireplace in the Long Room and it is also shown in the photograph below.
The need for replacement
Over the years, the steel work and the concrete of the existing balcony, now more than a hundred years old, has deteriorated as a result of water ingress. Temporary supports were put a place a few years ago to ensure the balcony remains safe to use but the Club has been advised that it must be replaced.
For the past year, work has been underway considering possible options and planning its replacement. In this, the Club has benefitted hugely from the expertise of LRC members Alex Fothergill, engineer, and Stuart Forbes, architect.
The need to replace the existing balcony provides an opportunity to replace it with a new balcony that is more attractive and appropriate to the building, improves the function space and provides improved accessibility for members and those hiring the Club for events.
Designing the new balcony
The form of the existing balcony and its geometry have been a reference point throughout the development of the proposed new balcony, effectively replicating the principle of a structure using load bearing columns and back spanning steel beams. These bear weight to the same corbels which are embedded in the stonework of the elevation and new block footings in the same location as the existing footings.
The new balcony is 1.5m deeper than the existing balcony and brings the face of the balcony forward to either side of the flagpole. A new canopy is supported by steel columns with a period detail to the head at the connection of the roof beams. The canopy is a combination of lead sheeting and glazed roof lights with an open façade.
The canopy stands above the footprint of the existing balcony with the extended balcony section being uncovered. The top of the canopy meets the façade of the building below the eyelid windows so that this feature remains visible.
The articulation of the column heads and the detail of the balustrade reference the design of the original historic balcony. The handrail is a hardwood timber and for its sectional profile resembles the Embankment riverside handrail.
The approach to the design of the new balcony is to replace the existing balcony with a balcony that is more appealing visually and relates better to the existing façade, while at the same time meeting our objectives for accessibility and making best use of our ancillary space.
Planning
In December last year, the Club submitted proposals to Wandsworth Council prior to a meeting with a planning case officer and the council’s Urban Design and Conservation Officer. The planners supported the principle of replacement but had various comments which have been taken into account in revised drawings which have been submitted as part of a full planning application.
The main features of the design the planners were keen to see are these:
• A balustrade which reflects the design of the historic balcony (the first balcony);
• Retention and re-use of the corbels;
• A single row of supporting columns;
• Restoration of the bollards in front of the Club.
The proposed new balcony is shown below in the excellent images prepared by Stuart Forbes Associates.
Timing
There are many issues to be worked through including the planning process. Ideally, the present balcony would be dismantled and the terrace of the new balcony constructed in January and February 2026. A meeting with a contractor has been set up to see if this is possible and to obtain cost estimates for the construction stages.
Further information
There will be updates in The London Roar but otherwise please speak to Peter Halford or Bill Baker who are part of the sub-committee that has been planning the project, which includes Simon Harris, Tim Leppard, Philip Carre, Lynton Richmond, Annabel Lawrence, Alex Fothergill and Stuart Forbes, with support from other members.
Peter Halford
