Native Land wins Lambeth Fire Station contract

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority agreed terms to sell its 2.5 acre headquarters site at in Lambeth, SE1, to the developer.

The deal requires Native Land to upgrade the existing Lambeth Fire Station to provide a modern community fire station. Native Land has appointed architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands to design the scheme and a planning application will be submitted by the end of 2007.

The building has been in continual use by London Fire Brigade since 1937 and a feature of the deal is an agreement for the Brigade’s memorial hall be retained. The strategy for moving the headquarters was set out in 2005 and the Brigade are set to move to new premises in Union St, Southwark.

London Fire Commissioner, Sir Ken Knight, said: ‘The sale offers an opportunity for our partner to unlock the development potential of the Albert Embankment site to provide funding for the Brigade to invest in upgrading its fire stations.

‘The refurbished Lambeth Fire Station will continue to be of strategic importance to central London.’

The main headquarters building fronting Albert Embankment, which is listed, will be retained as part of the development proposals. A listed drill tower in the rear yard will also be protected under Native Land’s proposals.