The London Fire Brigade has submitted plans to refurbish and return to its historic headquarters on the River Thames.
The force is hoping to refurbish its Grade II listed site at 8 Albert Embankment near Lambeth Bridge, as well as putting forward plans to modernise Lambeth Fire Station, which forms part of the building.
The building at 8 Albert Embankment was built by the Brigade in the 1930s as a combined fire station and office block.
The fire station takes up the ground and first floors of the building and there are six floors of office space above, which were used as the Brigade’s headquarters.
The building at 8 Albert Embankment was constructed by the 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 the Brigade’s headquarters until 2008 before it was moved to Southwark.
The site is currently vacant and the LFB’s plans will refurbish office space and bring it back to life.
The force has said the offices will be home to essential support services that make up its headquarters function.
Alongside the renovated office space, work will be carried out to upgrade and refit Lambeth Fire Station, with new equipment stores and workspaces.
There will also be remodelled accommodation for firefighters.
Extra care will be taken to preserve key historic elements found in the listed building’s original design.
The LFB will also invest in a training space in the yard at the site as well as a drill tower.
A new space will also be created, centred around the Brigade’s existing Memorial Hall, which commemorates firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
The space will allow the Brigade’s historic collection to be displayed and there will be a community room for local residents and groups to use.
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.”
