Canteen at Head Office of Rhone Poulenc Limited

The canteen at the Head Office of Rhone-Poulenc Limited is a Grade II listed building designed in 1943 and constructed in 1944, with an extension added in 1953 for executive dining facilities. The architect, Edward Mills, was known for his expertise in industrial building design.

This rectangular structure features a distinctive wavy shell concrete roof with a ridged under-surface. The east front is fully glazed with patent metal glazing, while the west side retains one bay and includes a 1978-9 extension that is not considered of special interest. The southern end of the building is made of brick and originally included a stage, which has since been removed. The 1953 extension maintains the original glazed staircase hall, complete with a steel balustrade, although it has undergone other alterations that do not hold special interest.

The canteen is notable for being one of the earliest shell concrete structures in the country, a design choice made for its material efficiency and ability to span large areas, which Mills executed with elegance.