Admiralty Arch, London: The Transformation Into A Luxurious Hotel

Admiralty Arch, an iconic structure in London, acts as a pivotal link for both road and pedestrian traffic between The Mall and Trafalgar Square.

Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in honour of his mother, Queen Victoria, and masterfully designed by Aston Webb, Admiralty Arch now holds the prestigious Grade I listing.

Historically, it served as the residence of the First Sea Lord and housed various Admiralty functions.

Until 2011, government offices occupied its space.

Subsequently, in 2012, the government opted to sell the building on a 125-year lease for £60m with plans for its transformation into a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel along with four additional apartments.

Designed by Aston Webb, who also crafted the Victoria Memorial and revamped the façade of Buckingham Palace at the opposite end of the Mall, Admiralty Arch was erected by John Mowlem & Co and finalised in 1912.

Its proximity to the Old Admiralty Building gives it its moniker.

Initially commissioned by King Edward VII in homage to his mother, Queen Victoria, the arch's completion in 1912 occurred after his passing.

Serving as the official residence for notable figures like Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Admiralty Arch also hosted various governmental offices, originally for the Admiralty.

This architectural marvel blends the characteristics of a triumphal arch with those of a governmental edifice, displaying an intriguing asymmetry: when observed from the Mall, the right wing boasts an additional floor beneath the cornice compared to its left counterpart, which has only two floors below.

Above the arch is a Latin inscription reading: 'ANNO DECIMO EDWARDI SEPTIMI REGIS VICTORIAE REGINAE CIVES GRATISSIMI MDCCCCX'.

The inscription translates as: 'In the tenth year of King Edward VII, to Queen Victoria, from most grateful citizens, 1910'

The sculpted depictions of Navigation (left) and Gunnery (right) situated at the terminus of each wing were crafted by the English sculptor Thomas Brock.

Below the edifice lies a network of tunnels and chambers, including vaults formerly housing government archives.

In 2000, the Cabinet Office transitioned into offices within the structure, while maintaining its headquarters on Whitehall.

It also accommodated the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit and the Social Exclusion Task Force.

In 2011, as part of the United Kingdom government's austerity measures, the building became vacant and was listed for sale, reportedly for £75 million.

By October 2012, the Spanish real estate developer Rafael Serrano emerged as the winning bidder, with plans to transform the property into a luxury hotel under a 125-year lease.

In August 2013, Westminster City Council granted full planning consent for the restoration and conversion of Admiralty Arch into a 100-room hotel, residences, and private members' club.

Blair Associates, commissioned by property developer Prime Investors Capital (led by Rafael Serrano), were tasked with the conversion project, which includes a hotel, restaurant, and four apartments.

The residences were put up for sale in July 2016. In 2022, Motcomb Estates assumed responsibility for the development of Admiralty Arch.

Presently, the building is undergoing conversion into a luxury hotel under the Waldorf Astoria brand, with an anticipated opening in 2025.

Admiralty Arch is on the west side of Trafalgar Square. The closest underground station is Charing Cross. From the station exit turn left and walk down The Strand to Trafalgar Square.

You will see the arch on the far side of the square.

The address is: The Mall, London, Greater London, England, SW1A 2WH.

You'll have to cross Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall to reach the arch.

If you cross under the pedestrian archway you can get a much better view of the arch from the west.

The structure is built with tremendous detail and design, it’s well worth a visit.

If youd like to see it in person, the address is: The Mall, St. James's, London SW1A 2WH.

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