The Sammy Ofer Centre

Through philanthropic support in the School’s first campaign, we transformed Sammy Ofer Centre into our new learning hub. This gave us 70% more teaching space whilst vastly upgrading the learning experience. This landmark location has attracted global business and political leaders and has contributed significantly to the amplification of our work and influence in London and beyond.

Background and legacy

The Sammy Ofer Centre was made possible by a £25 million gift from Idan Ofer MSc15(1982) and his wife Batia in 2013, as part of the School’s first fundraising campaign, which raised £125m in total.

The gift, the largest ever received by the School, was described at the time by the School’s then Dean, Sir Andrew Likierman, as “being in a completely different league” from any previous donation to the School.

Architecture and teaching

Named in honour of the late Sammy Ofer KBE, a celebrated entrepreneur and philanthropist, it was designed by architects, Sheppard Robson. With 37 seminar rooms, six lecture theatres, a stunning library and multiple breakout areas, the centre increased teaching space at LBS by 70%.

The famous Grade II-listed building successfully married a 1920s structure design in the classical manner, with the latest in architectural design and facilities.

Image of the front of the Sammy Ofer Centre

The Sammy Ofer Centre is housed within the iconic, Grade II-listed Old Marylebone Town Hall

Idan Ofer in his own words: Creating a lasting, learning legacy

“My wife, Batia and I were delighted to support the School’s first Campaign through our gift to create the Sammy Ofer Centre. Thousands of students have benefitted from the Centre in the five years since it opened.

It was important to both of us that our gift to the School would have a lasting impact, supporting future generations of students as they become future leaders and entrepreneurs. The Centre was named after my father, who advocated for the value of education and the duty of each generation to educate the next. I know he would be proud to be associated with the future success of LBS and its growing community.”