The housing secretary Robert Jenrick has called in plans for the £500m mixed-use scheme at 8 Albert Embankment on the Thames riverside
Lambeth Council’s planning applications committee voted in favour of U+I and the London Fire Brigade’s proposals for the redevelopment of 8 Albert Embankment in December 2019.
The 8 Albert Embankment scheme, designed by architect Pilbrow & Partners, would deliver a new mixed-use community that offers significant benefits to the local community and London.
Disappointed
Commenting on the news, a U+I spokesperson, said: “We are disappointed to learn that our plans to transform 8 Albert Embankment have been called in by the secretary of state.
“The decision means that the delivery of a new fire station for the London Fire Brigade, a new permanent home for the London Fire Brigade Museum, along with 443 much-needed homes, 40% of which will be affordable, as well as 100,000 sq ft of workspace and new public spaces could now be significantly delayed.
“The plans, which received the backing of the London Borough of Lambeth and followed extensive consultation with the local community, will positively transform a site that has lain vacant for almost ten years.
“We remain committed to delivering great places in order to create positive social and economic change and will consider our position in light of our determination to deliver on both fronts.”
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson, commented: “We are disappointed that the plans for 8 Albert Embankment have been called in by the secretary of state.
“Lambeth Fire Station responds to fires and other major emergencies in Lambeth and across London and is an important strategic location for emergency response in the capital. Originally built in 1937, the station requires significant modernisation to maintain high operational standards.
“These plans deliver improved training facilities, new accommodation for a diverse workforce and a new community space.
“The development will also include a permanent home for the LFB Museum in a restored 8 Albert Embankment, our former headquarters building. Sited next to the working fire station this will maintain a vital link between our historic collection and the modern service and will welcome tens of thousands of visitors a year.
“This development will also release capital funds to invest in our stations, training and equipment across the capital. We remain committed to this scheme which is an important part of our future.”
