020 3005 2873
Terrazzo Staircase Restoration – Victoria Granaries Redevelopment, Battersea London
Project Overview
MGS Restoration Ltd were commissioned to undertake specialist terrazzo staircase restoration and repair works within the historic Victoria Granaries redevelopment project in London.
Originally constructed between 1891 and 1892, the building was first home to the heavily industrial Victoria Granaries, reflecting the area’s rich industrial heritage during the late 19th century. During the 1980s, the site underwent a major transformation when it became associated with the Royal Academy of Dance, marking an important cultural shift in the building’s history.
Today, the property is once again evolving as part of a major redevelopment programme, transforming the historic structure into a modern mixed-use creative and community hub. The project will include office space for the internationally renowned architecture practice Foster + Partners, together with public amenities including a café, wellness facilities, and event spaces — all while preserving the building’s historic industrial shell.
As part of these sensitive refurbishment works, MGS Restoration were appointed to restore and repair two original 1950s terrazzo staircases together with associated terrazzo flooring areas throughout the property.
Project Details
Location: Victoria Granaries Redevelopment, London
Service: Terrazzo Restoration and Repair
Materials: Cement-Based Terrazzo
Building Type: Historic Industrial Building Redevelopment
Project Type: Heritage and Commercial Restoration
The Challenge
The two original terrazzo staircases dated from the 1950s and remained an important architectural feature within the building.
Although the staircases had survived relatively well structurally, they required specialist restoration to remove years of dirt buildup and carry out localised repairs where wear and damage had occurred over time.
A major advantage on this project was the exceptionally high level of protection installed by the main contractor prior to demolition and refurbishment works beginning. The terrazzo staircases had been carefully protected throughout the demolition phase, significantly reducing the risk of heavy damage during construction works.
This careful site management allowed MGS Restoration to focus primarily on deep cleaning and detailed repair works rather than major structural restoration.
In addition to the staircase restoration, one of the lobby floors required the installation of matching terrazzo material that needed to integrate seamlessly with the original flooring.
The Restoration Process
Protection During Main Construction Works
The main contractor implemented a very high level of protection to all terrazzo surfaces before demolition and structural works commenced on site.
This proactive protection strategy played a major role in preserving the condition of the staircases and significantly simplified the restoration process later in the programme.
Because the terrazzo had been properly protected, the majority of the original material remained intact and suitable for restoration.
Deep Chemical Cleaning of Terrazzo Staircases
MGS Restoration carried out specialist deep chemical cleaning across both terrazzo staircases to remove years of contamination, dirt buildup, and surface residues.
Using terrazzo-safe cleaning systems and specialist restoration products, our team carefully revived the original surface appearance without damaging the historic terrazzo finish.
The cleaning process restored clarity, consistency, and definition to the terrazzo aggregates throughout the staircases.
Localised Terrazzo Repairs
Following cleaning, our team carried out a series of vital localised repairs where damage and wear had occurred over time.
Repairs were carefully colour matched to ensure consistency with the surrounding terrazzo and maintain the original appearance of the staircases.
Supply and Installation of Matching Italian Terrazzo
As part of the wider refurbishment works, MGS Restoration also supplied and installed a specialist matching terrazzo material within one of the building’s lobby floors.
To achieve the closest possible match to the original terrazzo, our team sourced bespoke terrazzo directly from Italy, selected specifically for compatibility with the existing flooring.
The terrazzo was then installed by our specialist team of:
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Stonemasons
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Terrazzo fixers
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Restoration craftsmen
This ensured the newly installed floor blended seamlessly into the surrounding historic terrazzo surfaces.
Materials and Techniques Used
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Specialist terrazzo chemical cleaning systems
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Cement-based terrazzo restoration techniques
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Localised terrazzo repair methods
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Italian terrazzo sourcing and installation
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Heritage terrazzo restoration practices
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Specialist terrazzo fixing systems
The Results
The completed restoration successfully revitalised the two original 1950s terrazzo staircases while preserving their historic character within this important redevelopment project.
Thanks to the careful protection implemented during demolition works, the terrazzo surfaces remained in remarkably good condition, allowing MGS Restoration to focus on detailed cleaning and sympathetic repairs rather than extensive reconstruction.
The newly installed Italian terrazzo flooring within the lobby area integrated naturally with the existing materials, helping maintain visual continuity throughout the building.
This project demonstrates how careful coordination between contractors and specialist restoration teams can help preserve important historic finishes within major redevelopment schemes.
Historic Terrazzo Restoration in London
This project highlights the importance of preserving original terrazzo surfaces within historic industrial and cultural buildings.
Through careful restoration, specialist cleaning, and sympathetic new terrazzo installations, MGS Restoration Ltd successfully contributed to the ongoing transformation of the historic Victoria Granaries site while respecting the architectural heritage of the building.
Contact MGS Restoration
If your terrazzo staircases or historic stone surfaces require professional restoration or repair, our experienced team can help.
MGS Restoration Ltd provides specialist terrazzo and stone restoration services across London, working with historic buildings, commercial developments, cultural venues, 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
