London Fire Brigade has submitted plans to refurbish its historical site at 8 Albert Embankment, along with modernizing Lambeth Fire Station.
Originally constructed in the 1930s, the building housed both a fire station and office block, situated across ground and first floors, with office space occupying six additional stories.
Historical Significance and Future Purpose
The vacated office area, which served as the Brigade’s headquarters until its 2008 relocation to Southwark, is set to be revitalized and brought back into use.
This refurbishment will consolidate essential support services that form the Brigade's headquarters operations, ensuring efficient use of the Brigade's own estate rather than relying on leased commercial properties.
Enhancements to Lambeth Fire Station
Plans also detail the enhancement of Lambeth Fire Station, adding new kit storage, workspaces
Plans also detail the enhancement of Lambeth Fire Station, adding new equipment storage, workspaces, and updated firefighter accommodations. Given the building’s Grade II listed status, preservation efforts will focus on maintaining the historical design elements.
Additionally, improvements will extend to the training areas in the yard and drill tower, and the appliance bays will be modified to potentially include specialist vehicles.
Community Engagement and Memorial Establishment
The proposal includes the creation of a new area centered on the existing Memorial Hall, honoring fallen firefighters. This space will display the Brigade's historical collection, further utilized for educational purposes and community engagement. Additionally, a new community room will be available for local groups and residents.
Prior to submitting the application, the Brigade engaged in extensive consultations with the local community to incorporate their perspectives, following a detailed options appraisal process.
Important presence on the Thames
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith emphasized, “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 modernizing 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.”
He added, “These plans will deliver an upgraded fire station to serve the people of Lambeth as well as some of London’s most celebrated locations.”
London Fire Brigade has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of its site at 8 Albert Embankment. The application also includes plans to modernize Lambeth Fire Station, which forms part of the building.
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.
Brigade’s own estate
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.
Remodeled accommodation for firefighters
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, centered 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.
Series of consultations with the local community
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 modernizing 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.”
