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New London Centre for Royal Commonwealth Society

17 June 2004

"This is good news for the Commonwealth. It will help boost the Commonwealth in the UK..."

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), which reopened its doors as a London club and Commonwealth centre six years ago, is about to expand its premises into three floors in the adjoining location at 23-25 Northumberland Avenue (formerly a bank).

With its light and modern interiors, restaurant and lively events programme, the RCS has become well-known as a multicultural location in central London.

RCS Director-General Stuart Mole said: "Happily, we have become a victim of our own success. We now need more space for better member facilities, a Commonwealth Business Centre, and larger conference and meeting rooms.

"Not only do we plan to grow our membership, currently of around 6,000, but we want to develop the Club into a major Commonwealth centre in the heart of London, being close to Trafalgar Square. Our charitable mission -- promoting an understanding of the Commonwealth, its cultures and its values -- is a key part of what we do, and this expansion will enable us to do more, and do it better."

The RCS is leasing an additional 10,000 square feet and on 8 June 2004, it announced that the celebrated modern designer, Linda Morey Smith (whose acclaimed design has done much for the appeal of the present club), has been commissioned to design and refurbish the new premises.

Mr Mole said: "This is good news for the Commonwealth. It will help boost the Commonwealth in the UK -- but it will also serve as an international centre, the hub of a large Commonwealth network. It will be good news for our members, nationally and internationally, and we will be presenting our plans in greater detail to the membership at the Annual General Meeting on 22 June."