Landmark building scrapped because of fears over economy

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Internationally renowned Zaha Hadid's design for a £5 million HQ for The Architecture Foundation was to be the architect's first in England, having built her reputation with high-profile works abroad, including the Tram Stat ion in Strasbourg and the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati.

But senior members of the foundation said they were unable to guarantee enough money from donors to cover costs because "economic nervousness" and a fall in the stock market had created a bad fundraising environment.

The decision will be a blow to the Iraqi-born Briton, who is also one of the consultants on the £40 million Olympics aquatic centre for the 2012 Games.

Rowan Moore, director of the foundation, said: "We are obviously disappointed not to be able to proceed with Zaha Hadid's wonderful plans but we must adapt our programme to suit the times. A great many people have put a huge amount into the project, and we're very grateful to everyone, particularly Zaha."

The HQ, in Southwark Street, would have provided exhibition and event spaces and offices for the foundation and was due for completion in July next year.

Hadid won the right to design the building in a competition in 2006, funded by developer Land Securities.

She was told of the decision last week following an emergency meeting of the Foundation's trustees.

She said: "It is disappointing. As a catalyst for architectural discussion, the foundation deserves a permanent home that reflects its vision.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the project and look forward to The Architecture Foundation's continued development." The foundation's future programme comprises exhibitions, research and policy work.

Foundation sources said a headquarters was now "extremely unlikely".