020 3005 2873
Stone Restoration Works – Southbank International School, Great Portland Street, London
Project Overview
MGS Restoration Ltd were pleased to undertake both internal and external stone restoration works at Southbank International School’s Westminster campus, located at 63–65 Portland Place, Great Portland Street, London — just moments from our London office.
Housed within a magnificent Grade II listed Adam-style Georgian terrace, the school building forms part of the historic Portland Place streetscape originally laid out during the 1770s by the renowned Adam brothers, James and William Adam. Portland Place itself was designed to be exceptionally wide in order to preserve uninterrupted views from the historic Foley House and remains one of central London’s most architecturally distinguished Georgian avenues.
Southbank International School established the Portland Place campus in 2003 as its Lower Senior School, serving students aged 11–16. Today, the building combines its original Georgian architectural character with modern educational facilities, including science laboratories, art and music studios, and a library housing more than 5,000 books.
As part of ongoing improvements to the property, MGS Restoration Ltd carried out specialist restoration and cleaning works to both the external stonework and internal marble flooring, carefully preserving the building’s historic character while improving presentation and durability within this busy educational environment.
Project Details
Location: Southbank International School, 63–65 Portland Place, Great Portland Street, London
Building Type: Grade II Listed Georgian Terrace
Service: Stone Restoration and Marble Polishing
Materials: Natural Stone, Black and White Marble Flooring
Project Type: Heritage Educational Building Restoration
The Challenge
As a busy international school operating within a historic listed building, the property’s internal and external stone surfaces had experienced years of wear from heavy daily use, environmental exposure, and general aging.
Externally, the stone façade and entrance areas had developed surface contamination and signs of weathering, reducing the clarity and appearance of the original stonework.
Internally, the school’s classic black and white marble entrance corridors, characteristic of Edwardian and Georgian institutional architecture, had become dull and worn through continuous foot traffic from students, staff, and visitors.
Because the building remains an active educational environment, all restoration works needed to be carefully managed to minimise disruption while preserving the integrity of the original architectural finishes.
The Restoration Process
External Stone Restoration and Cleaning
MGS Restoration carried out specialist cleaning and diamond refinishing works to the external stone elements of the property.
The stone surfaces were carefully restored to remove environmental buildup, surface wear, and discoloration while preserving the natural texture and character of the original façade materials.
Diamond refinishing techniques were used where necessary to refine damaged areas and improve the overall appearance and clarity of the stone.
Internal Marble Floor Deep Cleaning
Inside the building, our team undertook a deep cleaning programme across the school’s principal entrance corridors and circulation spaces.
The black and white marble flooring was carefully cleaned using specialist stone-safe cleaning systems designed to remove embedded dirt and surface contaminants without damaging the original marble finish.
Marble Polishing and Surface Refinement
Following cleaning, the marble floors were professionally polished to restore clarity, reflectivity, and visual consistency across the corridors.
The polishing process enhanced the contrast between the black and white marble sections while revitalising the elegant appearance traditionally associated with Georgian and Edwardian architecture.
Particular attention was given to preserving the historic character of the flooring while improving its presentation and maintainability for continued school use.
Materials and Techniques Used
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Diamond stone refinishing systems
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Specialist natural stone cleaning techniques
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Marble deep cleaning methods
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Marble polishing and restoration
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Heritage stone restoration practices
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Conservation-sensitive cleaning systems
The Results
The completed restoration works successfully revitalised both the external stonework and internal marble flooring throughout the school building.
Externally, the cleaned and refinished stone surfaces now present a brighter and more refined appearance that complements the building’s distinguished Georgian architecture.
Internally, the polished black and white marble corridors once again reflect the elegance and character expected within a historic educational building while providing a durable and practical surface for everyday use.
The project demonstrates how specialist stone restoration can preserve the architectural heritage of listed buildings while supporting their continued adaptation for modern educational environments.
Heritage Stone Restoration in Great Portland Street
This project highlights the importance of specialist restoration techniques when working within historic educational buildings. Through careful cleaning, refinishing, and polishing works, MGS Restoration Ltd successfully enhanced the presentation and durability of this important Grade II listed Georgian property while preserving its historic architectural character.
Contact MGS Restoration
If your school, historic building, or natural stone surfaces require professional restoration or polishing, our experienced team can help.
MGS Restoration Ltd provides specialist stone restoration services across London, working with marble, terrazzo, Portland stone, limestone, and other historic materials within educational, commercial, residential, and heritage properties.
Contact us today to discuss your project or arrange a consultation.
Address
MGS Restoration ltd
167-169 Great Portland Street,
5th Floor,
London,
W1W 5PF
Phone
020 3005 2873
