Refreshing an Iconic London Landmark – One Embankment Place

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10 November 2025

Hopkins Architects are applying a “retrofit-first” approach to the enhancement of One Embankment Place – a prominent building above Charing Cross Station.

Home to PwC’s main London headquarters (the building’s sole occupier from its completion in 1991), One Embankment Place once achieved the highest BREEAM rating recorded worldwide. At 96.3 per cent, it remains one of the highest scores a commercial building has received. However, many important elements of the building are reaching the end of their operational life.

A new vision for the building, led by developers Bridgemont and Hopkins Architects, will see the building adapted to meet the evolving needs of the public and modern-day occupiers.

 

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Hopkins Architects intend to respect Sir Terry Farrell's original architecture, in consultation with Sir Terry's son, Max Farrell (Founder of the LDN Collective and former Partner at Farrells). 

Initial public engagement activities revealed a desire for more shops, green spaces, additional seating areas, greater food/beverage options, improved lighting and signage and better safety measures.

The proposals include enhancing the iconic Victorian brick arches beneath One Embankment Place with high-quality retail outlets, creating a destination atmosphere with improved connections between the building, Charing Cross Station and Villiers Street.

The project takes a “retrofit first” approach, seeking to minimise both embodied and operational carbon.

 

Picture: an artist's impression showing the building's Victorian arches. Image Credit: Hopkins

 

The public is being encouraged to provide views on this initial vision for the site over the coming weeks, with public consultation open from 10 November to 1 December. 

Two public exhibitions will be held at Charing Cross Theatre on 10 and 11 November, where the public will be able to see the early proposals and share their views.

Picture: a photograph showing the current One Embankment Place building as seen from the River Thames. Image Credit: Hopkins

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 10 November 2025

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