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London Fire Brigade has started the process of moving from its Southwark base along the Thames to its former Albert Embankment location as it submits a planning application to kickstart a refurbishment that will also modernise Lambeth Fire Station.
The former headquarters building at 8 Albert Embankment, which is currently vacant, 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 Brigade moved out of the office space in 2008 to a former postal building near Tate Modern leaving the fire station operational.
Lambeth Fire Station will get new equipment stores and workspaces along with modern accommodation for firefighters. The training space in the yard and drill tower will be upgraded and the appliance bays will be adapted to accommodate specialist vehicles where needed.
With a nod to its history, the Brigade will use its memorial hall to display its artefacts and retain its memorial to fallen London firefighters. The building will also contain a community hub for local people to use – the Brigade says it has consulted the local community as part of its work to develop the planning application.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said that the move to relocate to Lambeth was the right decision, adding: “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.
The planning information can be found on Lambeth Council website.
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