U.S. Takes First Steps Toward Embassy Relocation

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

What do you think? I think it's a terrible idea, but I guess it's going to happen.

2 October 2008

U.S. Takes First Steps Toward Embassy Relocation

Meeting the challenge of providing a modern, open and secure American diplomatic facility in London, the U.S. State Department today signed a conditional agreement with the real estate developer Ballymore to acquire a site in the Nine Elms Opportunity Area in Wandsworth for the construction of a new Embassy.

“This has been a long and careful process,” said Ambassador Robert Tuttle, who has led the search for a new site. “We looked at all our options, including renovation of our current building on Grosvenor Square. In the end, we realized that the goal of a modern, secure and environmentally sustainable Embassy could best be met by constructing a new facility. I'm excited about America playing a role in the regeneration of the South Bank of London.”

An international design competition will ensure the new facility reflects the best of modern design, incorporates the latest in energy-efficient building techniques, and celebrates the values of freedom and democracy.

This is an initial agreement conditioned on the approval of the United States Congress and local planning authorities. The existing Embassy building will be offered for sale almost immediately. However, it is still possible that the Embassy will remain at the current location if for whatever reason the site acquisition and acceptable planning consent do not materialize. The global real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield is advising the Overseas Buildings Operations Bureau (OBO), which directs the State Department's worldwide facilities program, on this project.

Sean Mulryan, Chairman of the Ballymore Group, said of the decision, “We are delighted the United States Embassy has chosen to invest in our Nine Elms project. The new Embassy will serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area.”

http://london.usembassy.gov/ukpapress84.html

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Nine Elms area - I think that's not far from MI6 headquarters - maybe a more secure area? I have no real opinion on it.

[SusieK 3]

Can i get my VISA before they move

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Its more secure and it gives them more space to add safety buffers etc. Its also cheaper then renovating....

Its not solid yet. The house and senate must approve.

Edited October 3, 2008 by lancer1655

[SusieK 3]

Its more secure and it gives them more space to add safety buffers etc. Its also cheaper then renovating....

Its not solid yet. The house and senate must approve.

What do you mean I have to wait for the house and senate to approve his VISA - arrrrrrrrrrrr I knew there was a catch to this whole immigration mess, j/k.

[Marmite Lovers! 0]

It'll be nice to see all the money going to a good use!

[Barry and Jackie 0]

Its more secure and it gives them more space to add safety buffers etc. Its also cheaper then renovating....

Its not solid yet. The house and senate must approve.

Well when I was there yesterday they seemed to be doing some renovation to the existing building because there is scaffolding up all around it. So it looks like they are tarting the old one up and then moving to a new one.

[Laura+Tom 2]

Its more secure and it gives them more space to add safety buffers etc. Its also cheaper then renovating....

Its not solid yet. The house and senate must approve.

Well when I was there yesterday they seemed to be doing some renovation to the existing building because there is scaffolding up all around it. So it looks like they are tarting the old one up and then moving to a new one.

That's happening to the RAF station where I work. It's due to close in 2011 so they are changing the heating, putting in new network cables, and re-doing all the roofing. Kinda like they want to use up the budget a bit before they go.

Edited October 3, 2008 by Laura+Tom

[no name 1]

SW8, my old postcode...literally a short walk away. God I miss South London.

Edited October 3, 2008 by illumine

[Nicoxcx 1]

I quite liked the location, Just across the road you had the Canadian embassy and a lot of others, pfft, England is England, we would still have to travel a fair distance to get there.

I wonder if they have any plans on what to build in the existing area when the building moves.

[no name 1]

I quite liked the location, Just across the road you had the Canadian embassy and a lot of others, pfft, England is England, we would still have to travel a fair distance to get there.

I wonder if they have any plans on what to build in the existing area when the building moves.

but now one could avoid central London & just go to Clapham Junction! Plus, cheaper hotels.

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

I guess the whole environmental side of it is quite good. I hope it doesn't end up looking like the american or british embassies in Dublin, those places are like fortresses. I suppose they are what I think of when I see new build embassies. Also the site that the current one has held american intrests since the time of John Adams, so it's quite a break.

(also just watching the John Adams HBO show now, it's amazing, I encourage all new arrivals to America to watch it!)

[*JG* 2]

It was such a mess when the embassy in Jamaica moved a few years ago.

[Mags 112]

That would have been way nearer for me than having to go to Grosvenor Square. It would have only been a short bus ride!

Let's hope the building is a bit more attractive than the current one...

[Jason&Sarah 0]

That would have been way nearer for me than having to go to Grosvenor Square. It would have only been a short bus ride!

Let's hope the building is a bit more attractive than the current one...

No kidding. Sarah's in Hammersmith, and that'd have only been a short jaunt to Wandsworth. That's where we go to play pool when I come for visits! :lol A shame it's not there now...could have popped in for the visa, and then went for a game of pool to celebrate!