Planning permission has now been granted for the redevelopment of 8 Albert Embankment, marking a significant step forward in our plans to return to our historic home and establish a modern, long-term headquarters for the Brigade.
This decision follows extensive engagement with Lambeth Council and local stakeholders over recent months. With all key approvals now in place, we're preparing to move into the next phase of the programme, with construction activity due to begin shortly. The project is due for completion in 2029.
Community Updates
Our Community Update sessions are held three times a year, and provide an opportunity to hear updates on the refurbishment project at 8 Albert Embankment. This includes construction progress, upcoming works and developments across LFB-owned sites in the Albert Embankment area.
Find out what happened in our most recent Community Updates session and sign up to our project mailing list if you're interested in attending upcoming sessions.
Construction updates
Construction work will soon begin at 8 Albert Embankment.
The project is being delivered in phases and we are committed to keeping neighbours and local stakeholders informed about key milestones and any activities that may affect the local area.
Regular updates will be shared through community update sessions and the project mailing list.
The updates will include:
- Current phase of works
- Expected milestones
- Community notifications
- Frequently asked questions about construction impacts
History of the building
The building at 8 Albert Embankment was constructed by London Fire Brigade in the 1930s as a combined fire station and office block. The fire station occupies the ground and first floors of the building, with six floors of office space above.
The office space was used as our headquarters until 2008, when it moved into a leased commercial property in Southwark.
Our approved plans
Following the granting of planning permission, refurbishment works will soon be under way to bring the building's vacant office space back into use.
Once complete, the offices will become home to the essential support services that make up London Fire Brigade's headquarters function.
Alongside the refurbishment of the office accommodation, construction works are being undertaken to upgrade and modernise Lambeth Fire Station. The Fire Station will close in Winter 2026/27 (TBC) for the duration of construction, with crews decanted to Clapham and Chelsea fire stations. There will be no impact on operational response times and resilience as a result of this change.
Improvements include new equipment stores and workspaces, refurbished firefighter accommodation and enhancements to training facilities. As a Grade II listed building, careful consideration is being given to preserving and restoring important historic features.
The project will also create a new publicly accessible heritage and learning space centred around the historic Memorial Hall, where the sacrifice of fallen London firefighters is remembered.
This area will showcase the Brigade's historic collection and support educational and community outreach activities. A community room will also be provided for local residents and groups.
8 Albert Embankment planning application
Take a look at the planning application for further details on the plan.
Consultation
Extensive consultation was carried out with local residents, businesses and community groups before the submission of the planning application.
The materials below were shared during the consultation process and helped inform the final approved scheme.
Join the conversation
As construction progresses, we'll continue to work closely with local residents and community groups, keeping them informed about upcoming activity and project milestones.
Mailing list
Please sign-up to the project mailing list to received updates on engagement opportunities. Your support in raising awareness of these opportunities helps ensure that the local community is included in the proposals.
New community update sessions
We’ll continue to engage with local residents about the Lambeth Fire Station site. We’ll be doing this via community update sessions.
These sessions provide updates on construction progress, project milestones and future activity at the site, while also giving residents an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
If you're interested in attending the sessions sign-up to the project mailing list and we'll be in touch with further information when available.
Contact us
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the project team:
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Post: Community Engagement, London Fire Brigade, 169 Union Street, SE1 0LL
Previous planning applications
Planning permission has been granted for the current refurbishment project at 8 Albert Embankment. Information about earlier proposals is provided below for historical context.
Previous planning applications for 8 Albert Embankment also included plans for sites on Lambeth High Street and Newport Street. These are being considered separately by London Fire Brigade together with the Greater London Authority (GLA). The map below shows the new proposed development area site and the separate Lambeth High Street and Newport Street sites.
In 2021 the Secretary of State refused planning permission for a previous planning application for 8 Albert Embankment. The Brigade and LandsecU+I (the previous development partner) worked hard to find a solution. However, both partners reached the conclusion that the Brigade needed to explore alternative options. As a result LandsecU+I and the Brigade have drawn their agreement to a close.