Ocubis gets green light for Albert Embankment hotel

Property company Ocubis has secured planning permission from Lambeth Council for a landmark 600-bedroom, mid-market hotel on London's Albert Embankment.

The site originally gained planning consent for a mixed-use, residential-led scheme at the site in 2017, however limited interest led the company to bring architect and hotel specialist Jestico + Whiles on board to progress an application for change of use to a hotel.

The scheme consists of two interconnecting 25-storey towers with views across the river and central London. At street level, the entrance to the hotel will feature a circular triple-height porte-cochere and botanical cabinets – a nod to the site's proximity to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens – as well as a new public space next to the hotel.

Stephen Chatfield, development director at Ocubis, said: "The new hotel will provide guests with high-quality accommodation and far-reaching riverside views in a new, sustainable landmark building in the heart of Vauxhall, plus around 450 new jobs for local people."

The proposals will also see the refurbishment and upgrade of Vintage House, the only remaining Victorian warehouse on Albert Embankment, to provide flexible offices and creative workspace.

Albert Embankment hotels include the Crowne Plaza London - Embankment and the Park Plaza London Riverbank. Planning permission is also being sought to redevelop 8 Albert Embankment, including the former London Fire Brigade headquarters, to build a 200-bedroom hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar.