Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has called in U+I’s plans to turn the London Fire Brigade’s former headquarters on Albert Embankment into a mixed-use scheme with a GDV of £500m.
The plans for the site at 8 Albert Embankment, SE1, include a new fire station for the LFB, a new home for the London Fire Brigade Museum and 443 homes, 40% of which would be affordable.
In addition, the scheme would have created 100,000 sq ft of workspace.
Lambeth Council had resolved to grant the plans in December last year.
“We are disappointed to learn that our plans to transform 8 Albert Embankment have been called in by the secretary of state,” A spokesperson for U+I said.
“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 spokesperson for the LFB added: “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… which 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.”
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