Plans brought forward for major retrofit of 1 Embankment Place in central London
Proposals aim to modernise landmark office building above Charing Cross Station.
27 March 2026
Early-stage proposals have been unveiled for the refurbishment and repositioning of 1 Embankment Place, an office building located above Charing Cross Station in central London.
The scheme, being brought forward by Bridgemont, focuses on the retrofit and upgrade of the nine-storey office building, which was originally completed in 1991 as an “air rights” development spanning Network Rail infrastructure.
Designed by the Farrell Partnership, the building occupies a prominent position within the City of Westminster, connecting Villiers Street, Embankment Place and key pedestrian routes including Hungerford Bridge and the Golden Jubilee footbridges.
The emerging plans centre on retaining and enhancing the existing structure while improving its long-term viability as a modern office destination. This includes upgrading the building’s sustainability performance and internal environment to meet current occupier expectations.
A significant component of the proposals relates to the surrounding public realm. Plans aim to improve pedestrian movement and wayfinding across the site, strengthening connections between Charing Cross Station, the South Bank, Victoria Embankment Gardens and surrounding streets.
The project also seeks to revitalise ground floor and lower-level retail and leisure spaces, enhancing activity at street level and creating a more active frontage along Villiers Street and Embankment Place.
Improvements to the arrival experience from Hungerford Bridge, a key route for pedestrians travelling between Waterloo and the West End, form a further part of the strategy, with the intention of creating a more coherent and welcoming gateway into the area.
The proposals reflect a wider trend towards the refurbishment of existing office stock in central London, as developers look to extend the life of well-located assets while aligning them with evolving sustainability standards and occupier requirements.
Consultation on the scheme is currently underway, with the project team seeking feedback as plans are developed further.
