Savills has been appointed by the British government as the sales agent for the leasehold interest in Admiralty Arch in London. The Head of Savills Hotel Group in the U.S., Marc Magazine, will lead the marketing efforts for the iconic building in this country. 

Owned by the British government, the building is located on the southwest corner of Trafalgar Square and provides an elegant entrance to The Mall which leads to Buckingham Palace.  The 147,300-square-foot structure has seven floors and a basement.

Currently in use as administrative offices, the British Government is seeking to dispose of Admiralty Arch, as it is no longer deemed suitable for modern office space. The objectives are to respect and protect the heritage of the building now and in the future, enable the potential for public access, ensure awareness of any potential security implications and maximize value for the British taxpayer.

According to Magazine, who is working with Robert Seabrook, the London-based Head of Hospitality for Savills in Europe, the building is ideally suited for use as a hotel and has generated immediate interest from U.S. investors.

“This a world-famous building in a prime location with impressive architecture and a glorious history,” said Magazine.  “You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would not want to stay at a hotel housed by the Admiralty Arch.  And it is just the kind of iconic building that Savills is ideally positioned to market in the US, UK and around the globe.”

Admiralty Arch was commissioned by King Edward VII as a memorial to mark the reign of his mother Queen Victoria. Originally housing the offices and residence of the First Sea Lord, distinguished admirals who have resided at Admiralty Arch include Lord Fisher, Sir John Jellicoe and the Earl of Beatty. Amongst the latest occupiers of the building are the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office.  The Arch was designed by the architect Sir Aston Webb and completed one hundred years ago. 

The building has retained significant cultural importance with generations of the Royal Family passing through the central arch during ceremonial processions, most recently as part of the Royal Wedding route for Prince William.