The Southbank Centre has announced its shortlist of architects for the renovation of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, and Hayward Gallery in London, following Rick Mather’s masterplan for the 8.5 hectare complex.

The seven competing practices are Bennetts Associates, Eric Parry, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Grimshaw, Heneghan Peng, OMA and Van Heyningen and Haward. The winning practice will be selected in autumn and oversee the project.

The multi-million pound project has been labelled a ‘refurbishment and renewal’ effort by the Southbank Centre, and will focus on renovating stages, galleries, services, and access to the building in time for the Royal Festival Hall renovation project completion next door. The Southbank Centre confirmed that it is holding off deciding on a design for a “more ambitious” project.