Fire Brigade HQ on Albert Embankment sold to developers

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) has agreed terms to sell the 2.5-acre site at 8 Albert Embankment to Native Land, one of the partners in the Bankside 4 (Holland Street) development close to Tate Modern.

Native Land has appointed architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands – whose local projects include the Doon Street tower – to design a scheme incorporating private residential and mixed-tenure affordable housing together with commercial space.

The deal requires Native Land to retain and refurbish Lambeth Fire Station. A planning application to Lambeth Council is expected by the end of 2007.

The building has been in continual use by the London Fire Brigade since 1937 and a feature of the deal is an agreement for the Brigade's memorial hall be retained. The strategy for moving the headquarters was set out in 2005 and the Brigade is set to move to the former Royal Mail parcels sorting office in Union Street.

"The sale offers an opportunity for our partner to unlock the development potential of the Albert Embankment site to provide funding for the Brigade to invest in upgrading its fire stations," says Sir Ken Knight, London Fire Commissioner.

"The refurbished Lambeth Fire Station will continue to be of strategic importance to central London. I am also delighted that the building will continue to be home of the memorials which list the names of firefighters who have died serving the community over many years."

The main headquarters building fronting Albert Embankment, which is listed, will be retained as part of the development proposals. A listed drill tower in the rear yard will also be protected under Native Land's proposals.

Alasdair Nicholls, chief executive of Native Land, adds: "We are delighted to have agreed terms with LFEPA to acquire this important river side site. We have appointed a design team to deliver a high quality mixed use redevelopment scheme that will also create best value for our public sector partner."

LFEPA also currently has office space at Hampton House (20 Albert Embankment) where proposals for a new mixed-use development have recently been announced.