MICA showcase newly completed Centre Point basement with Jensens
MICA have led the restoration of the 1960’s Centre Point complex designed originally by Richard Seifert, a well known Swiss-British architect who famously owned a Jensen FF.
The latest area of the complex to be completed is a new car park in the basement below Centre Point, which provides space for 18 cars, accessed by car lifts from a dedicated entrance on Earnshaw Street. Directional signage, parking space markings and other finishes follow the bold geometry of the complex above, referencing the art and style of the era in which the building was originally completed.
Seeking an appropriate vehicle to pair with the classic aesthetic of the building, and pay homage to the designer, MICA approached Cropredy Bridge to source two special cars. The cars chosen were 1967 FF Vignale Chassis 6, which has been subject to a full restoration by the expert team at Cropredy Bridge and is a concours regular, and a 1974 Interceptor Mark 3 boasting various upgrades from Cropredy’s varied stock list.
The mix of sharp lines found in the sixties-inspired parking area complement the soft curves of the Jensens and give a rare glimpse into an era now passed, in which the jet set owners of such Jensens would be a surefire visitor to such a superbly designed building.
Director Matthew Watts commented: “Though we’re lucky enough to surround ourselves with these cars daily through our restoration, sales and servicing work of all classic Jensens, we never tire of the timeless looks of these machines. Seeing these cars in such a setting is a real thrill, and we thank MICA Architects for coming to us and creating this opportunity.”
James Kirk of MICA commented:
“We were delighted to find the enthusiastic Cropredy Bridge Cars whose technical understanding of a classic car design from the exuberant 60s and 70s matched our passion for the remarkable architecture of Centre Point from the same era.
We have been working for over eight years to restore and renew the buildings and landscape of the complex which were built in the era of the car, with the tower as the centrepiece of a large traffic gyratory system. We have transformed the area by removing the road under Centre Point Link, refocussing the complex towards a new public square. Cropredy Bridge’s spectacularly restored classic Jensens complemented the renewed architecture of the complex and provided a striking allusion to the excitement and exuberance of the era in which it was originally made.”
To read more about Centre Point click here
