Formal approval was given for plans to restore the iconic Admiralty Arch to its former glory and open it up to the public, Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude confirmed.
In a public meeting, Westminster City Council (WCC) granted planning permission to developers Prime Investors Capital (PIC) to renovate the former office space into a 5* hotel, residences and private members' club.
The redevelopment is part of the wider Cabinet Office strategy to operate a more efficient government estate which has already seen it shrink by 16% since 2010 and raise over £1 billion for the taxpayer by selling buildings and land no longer needed. The 99 year lease agreement signed between HM Government and PIC in October 2012 will raise an additional £60 million from the sale of Admiralty Arch’s leasehold, as well as creating jobs within the regeneration project.
Francis Maude said: "The plans approved will breathe new life into Admiralty Arch, transforming it from unsuitable office space into a publicly accessible landmark that everyone can admire and enjoy.
"Hard-working families rightly expect us to make the most of what we own; historical and architecturally significant buildings like the Arch shouldn’t be sitting empty in the government's estate wasting £900,000 a year to run. Instead we're raising £60 million for the taxpayer and working closely on every aspect with Prime Investors Capital (PIC), Westminster City Council and English Heritage to restore it to its former glory.
"Retaining the building's freehold will mean that the public will always have a say in its future and this restoration project will create jobs, boost the local economy and help reduce the deficit."
(CD/MH)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
08/05/2024
Winvic Construction has been appointed to design and build the first industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton for end user Yusen Logistics. Winvic, SEGRO and Yusen Logistics celebrated the start of the 1.2 million sq ft project with a Japanese Kagami Biraki ceremony. The Kagami ...
08/05/2024
Bradford College has teamed up with Sewell Construction for the creation of its new multi-million-pound T Level facilities. The work, which starts in May, will involve the remodelling of a number of areas within the College’s David Hockney Building to create a high-quality training environment, ...
08/05/2024
BAM Construction has commenced work to develop a new primary and secondary school in Lyde Green, Bristol. Final funding agreements have been announced and contracts have been signed to deliver the new facilities in time for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. The 420-place, primary school ...
08/05/2024
JJ Rhatigan has appointed G&H Group to deliver a mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) design and build contract for the Crown Trading Centre in Hayes. Located in West London on the Grand Union Canal, property manager Greystar's £109m scheme will consist of 407 build to rent, affordable ...
08/05/2024
Significant progress has been made at Cwmbran station as works to make them fully accessible continue. Network Rail has successfully installed the lift shafts and staircases on platforms 1 and 2. The company welcomed Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds to the station to show him the lift shafts and to ...
08/05/2024
Underfloor heating systems offer a significant advantage in enhancing the overall value of a property. The inclusion of underfloor heating is perceived by potential buyers as a modern upgrade that adds a touch of luxury and sophistication. Properties equipped with underfloor heating tend to stand ...
08/05/2024
Did you know that a superior Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could increase your property's value. As the UK housing market continues to evolve, Catherine Storer, Executive Director and construction industry expert at ...
08/05/2024
A pump chamber or pump sewage station are found in sewage systems such as a septic tank. When effluent requires the need to be discharged to the mains sewage treatment or a septic tank, if gravity prevents the wastewater from being pumped due to the site having a higher-water level, then you will ...
07/05/2024
Construction work has commenced at Cordia UK's latest project and inaugural build-to-rent (BTR) development, The Lampworks. The Birmingham-based property developer has appointed Shropshire-based construction management practice buildfifty5 to deliver the main construction works for the project in ...
07/05/2024
Wates has held a 'topping out' ceremony with Riverstone to mark the structural completion of a later living residence, Riverstone Bishops Avenue. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Barnet, the Barnet Education and Learning Service, Barnet & Southgate College and also BOOST, who work with ...