Embankment Place
Redevelopment of Charing Cross, London
1987-1990

The redevelopment of Charing Cross is a unique example of Terry Farrell and Partners' expertise in urban design and planning which led to Embankment Place, a new office building using the air-rights over Charing Cross Station in a restored environment.

Embankment Place is a landmark structure, which sits in a family of riverside buildings that include the Palace of Westminster, Somerset House and the Ministry of Defence. Its central location in the bend of the river and its position on the axis of Hungerford Bridge, give it a focal role on the banks of The Thames.

Charing Cross Station is London's most densely utilised terminus station. A major aspect of the design and construction of the project was to ensure that the functioning of the station was not impaired. The solution was technologically innovative, suspending 7 to 9 storeys of offices above the tracks.

The air-rights building contains approximately 450,000 sq. ft., gross of office accommodation. The entire air-rights structure is based on 18 columns, which rise through the station platforms to support the arch from which the office floors are suspended. This isolates the offices from railway vibration. Two atria penetrate the floor plates, and the principal cores containing cloakrooms, toilets and means of escape staircases are placed alongside the existing station walls on the building perimeter.

30,000 sq. ft., of retail and restaurant accommodation is positioned in the vaults below the station and in a new infill building which completes the streetscape to the adjoining Villiers Street. A further area of retail has been inserted under the Hungerford Railway Bridge framed by two new Porticos that act as vehicular entrances to the development area, giving it a presence on the major thoroughfare of Northumberland Avenue.

The future of the Players' Theatre was ensured. It has been re-built and relocated just north of its previous site but in other respects remains identical to the old building. Its essential character within the environment of the arches below the station has been protected.

Environmental improvements under the masterplan were spread throughout the area, and included major pedestrian improvements and traffic management in Villiers Street and Embankment Place; the extension of the Hungerford Bridge to Villiers Street and on to the station concourse; enhancement of Embankment Gardens (including restoration and an improved setting for York Watergate).

Improvements to the station forecourt included paving, reinstatement of the railings and re-establishing a fitting setting for the historical Eleanor Cross from which the station takes its name. A new platform environment was created below the air-rights building, developing the concept of the station platforms as a grand 'room' and point of arrival. Improvements to the station concourse were implemented, incorporating accommodation for transport staff.

The Charing Cross development is an iconic London landmark, particularly at night with the illuminated building sitting alongside the other 'palaces on the river.”