London Fire Brigade has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of its site at 8 Albert Embankment. The application also includes plans to modernise Lambeth Fire Station, which forms part of the building.
The building at 8 Albert Embankment was constructed by the Brigade in the 1930’s 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 the Brigade’s headquarters until 2008 when it was relocated to Southwark. It is currently vacant, and the plans will make use of the Brigade’s own estate, rather than continue leasing commercial property.
The proposed plans will see the building's vacant office space refurbished and brought back into service. These offices will become home to the essential support services that make up the Brigade’s headquarters function.
Alongside the renovated office space, work will be carried out to upgrade and refit Lambeth Fire Station. This will include new equipment stores and workspaces, as well as remodeled accommodation for firefighters. As a Grade II listed structure, extra care will be taken to preserve key historic elements found in the building's original design. The training space in the yard and drill tower will also receive investment, and the appliance bays will be adapted to accommodate specialist vehicles if required.
As a part of the proposals, a new space will be created, centred around the Brigade’s existing Memorial Hall, where the sacrifice of fallen London firefighters is remembered. This space will allow the Brigade’s historic collection to be displayed, which will be used for educational purposes and community outreach. There will also be a community room for local residents and groups to use.
To ensure the views and needs of nearby residents and the local community were considered, the Brigade conducted a series of consultations with the local community prior to submitting this planning application, which follows a thorough options appraisal.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “Moving our headquarters back to its historic location in Lambeth is not just the right decision for the Brigade, but also for London and Londoners. By refurbishing and modernising an existing building we will be offering the best value for Londoners and maintaining an important presence on the Thames and in the heart of London.
“These plans will deliver an upgraded fire station to serve the people of Lambeth as well as some of London’s most celebrated locations.”
The planning application
Details of the planning application for 8 Albert Embankment can be found on the planning portal for Lambeth Council.