Canada House: Revitalizing a Landmark of Canadian Diplomacy
London, England
Project Lead: Global Affairs Canada
Project Duration: 2013 – 2015
Services: Project Management
SPACING
Canada House
Canada House is a diplomatic hub in the United Kingdom (UK), showcasing Canadian artwork, business, and values in central London.
Originally constructed in 1827, the building was renamed Canada House in 1923 when the Canadian High Commission relocated to Trafalgar Square. As the High Commission’s role expanded over the next several decades, space limitations forced many of its functions to disperse across multiple sites.
In 2013, Global Affairs Canada (then known as Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada) announced its plan to consolidate all diplomatic functions into a single location. The adjacent building was acquired to expand and transform Canada House into a modern and secure High Commission.
Project Goals
The Canada House project aimed to renew, renovate, and rehabilitate the 200-year-old heritage space and connect it to the neighbouring property. This included restoring the building’s heritage features, improving functionality for diplomatic operations, and enhancing accessibility.
Tiree's Role
Tiree supported Global Affairs Canada (GAC) by delivering Project Management services focused on schedule, cost, risk, and quality.
Working through GAC with project stakeholders, consultants, and UK diplomatic representatives, Tiree assisted the project team in modernizing and rehabilitating the existing infrastructure to support day-to-day embassy operations and host diplomatic and cultural events.
Project Outcomes
When Canada House reopened in 2015, it marked the first time in 50 years that High Commission staff had been brought together under one roof.
The modernized embassy is now better equipped to provide passport, immigration, visa, and emergency services to Canadian citizens, serve as a military liaison office, as well as a workplace for trade and political officers.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square, where they were presented with a ceremonial set of keys—similar to those given to King George V in 1925.
To spotlight one of Canada’s most abundant natural resources, the space features Canadian hemlock, maple, white oak, and walnut throughout. Meeting rooms are named for provinces, territories, and oceans, and feature custom furniture, lighting, and carpets designed by Canadian artisans and craftspeople.
Highlighting the country’s cultural diversity, the Culture Canada gallery also regularly curates exhibitions with Canadian artists based in the UK.
The Queen Elizabeth Atrium
British Columbia Room