In an announcement made today (12 May), the institute confirmed that the March deal to relocate staff into the Jerwood Centre, a ‘self contained’ Neo-Georgian building designed by Carden & Godfrey Architects, was off. However, it is understood the RIBA still intends to shut its Portland Place headquarters – including café and bookshop – from 1 June to make way for the £58 million House of Architecture revamp. A planning application for the Benedetti Architects-designed overhaul of its London base was lodged two months ago. The proposed temporary offices would have been in a 23-year-old building sitting just south of the main Royal College of Physicians (RCP) building. Advertisement The main building was designed by Denys Lasdun, a former RIBA president, Royal Gold Medal winner and National Theatre architect and, under the agreement, would have been available for the RIBA to use for events such as the inauguration of upcoming president Chris Williamson in September The institute claims the RCP was ‘unable to keep to its commitment’ and that it is now ‘exploring contingency plans to ensure suitable working arrangements for staff'. Speaking when the deal between the organisations was agreed, RIBA chief executive officer Valerie Vaughan-Dick said the institute had considered other locations but that the move to the RCP would ‘ensure as little disruption as possible to our services for members, as well as staff, and those wanting to learn about the transformative power of architecture’. She added at the time: ‘Having made enquiries with several membership bodies, royal colleges and cultural institutions, I’m positive we’ve secured a fantastic temporary home at the Jerwood Centre for our staff and invited guests in this agreement with the Royal College of Physicians.’ However in a statement released today, Vaughan-Dick said: ‘The licence agreement was approved by both RIBA and RCP Boards in good faith, and we were assured that all necessary permissions had been received by RCP.Advertisement ‘Due to circumstances beyond RIBA’s control, the RCP is unable to keep to its commitment and we are now exploring contingency plans to ensure suitable working arrangements for staff, and locations for the events we had planned to hold at the RCP.' She added: ‘Beyond the already announced operating pause for RIBA Venues, the café and physical bookshop, we'd like to assure all RIBA members and the public that when 66 Portland Place closes to them from 1 June, this change of plans for our staff working arrangements will have no impact on our services and it is business as usual.'