Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury
London · WC1
Amenities
Summary
A 1972 megastructure of terraced concrete housing over a pedestrian shopping street — the most photographed British brutalist housing complex in London.
About this location
The Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury was designed by Patrick Hodgkinson and completed in 1972 as a mixed-use development combining three hundred residential units in stepped concrete terraces above a pedestrian retail precinct. The building is a single continuous structure — the two mirrored A-shaped concrete blocks frame an open pedestrian street below — and the overall character is the apex of 1960s/70s rational modernism: uncompromising concrete geometry, stepped section, and no attempt at surface decoration.
The centre has become one of the most visually distinctive and often-referenced brutalist housing environments in London. It appeared as a recognisable backdrop in multiple films and television productions set in contemporary or near-future London. The retail precinct below the housing — a small Waitrose, an independent cinema (Curzon Bloomsbury), and assorted cafes — is the public ground-floor zone; the residential above is private.
The pedestrian precinct is Camden Council public realm for filming permits; the residential private areas and car park require arrangement with the Brunswick management company. The external concrete terraces are visible from street level and from Russell Square. The Curzon Bloomsbury cinema within the development has its own screen-hire programme. Russell Square tube (Piccadilly line) is 200 metres away.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- London has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury?
- Yes — filming on or around Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury?
- On-site parking is available at Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury?
- Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury sits in the £ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury?
- Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury before?
- Brunswick Centre Bloomsbury appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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