Discover Millbank Tower London's Architecture and History

Millbank Tower's architecture is a stunning example of mid-20th-century design, with a sleek, modernist aesthetic that still impresses today.

The tower's height of 118 meters makes it a notable presence on the London skyline, and its stepped profile gives it a distinctive, tiered appearance.

Built between 1961 and 1963, Millbank Tower was designed by architects Douglas & Minhinick, a firm known for their innovative and functional designs.

The tower's facade is clad in a combination of red and grey brick, with a series of horizontal bands that add visual interest and create a sense of depth.

The Millbank Tower has a rich history dating back to 1963 when it was constructed for Vickers. It was designed by Ronald Ward and Partners and built by John Mowlem & Co.

Originally known as Vickers House or the Vickers Tower, the building has undergone ownership changes over the years. In 2002, it was acquired by David and Simon Reuben, while still being managed by its former owner Tishman Speyer Properties.

The tower is a Grade II listed building and holds significant architectural value. The 2003 edition of the Pevsner architectural guide praises the Millbank Tower as "one of the few London office towers to have won affection".

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The Millbank Tower has a rich history that dates back to 1963 when it was constructed for Vickers and originally known as Vickers House or the Vickers Tower.

It was designed by Ronald Ward and Partners and built by John Mowlem & Co. The tower was a landmark on the London skyline, standing beside the River Thames, half a mile upstream from the Palace of Westminster.

The tower has been owned by David and Simon Reuben since 2002, while still being managed by its former owner Tishman Speyer Properties. It's a Grade II listed building, which means it's a protected historic structure.

Until the BT Tower's completion in 1964, the Millbank Tower was the tallest building in the United Kingdom.

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Millbank Tower is situated in a vibrant area of London. The building is surrounded by several notable structures that contribute to its context.

The Whitehall Buildings are located nearby, showcasing a mix of architectural styles. These buildings are a testament to the rich history of the area.

The MI6 Building, designed by Terry Farrell & Partners, is another key landmark close to Millbank Tower. Its sleek design adds to the area's eclectic mix of architecture.

The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel, is a popular tourist attraction in the vicinity. Designed by Marks Barfield, Architects, it's a striking feature of the London skyline.

Waterloo Station Building is another nearby landmark, its architecture reflecting the area's blend of old and new.

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The Millbank Tower is an iconic building in central London, standing at an impressive 118m high. It was originally known as Vickers Tower, named after the engineering firm that occupied it.

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, just west of the Houses of Parliament, the tower has been home to many high-profile organisations throughout its history. The Labour Party rented two floors in the base of the tower from 1995, including the ground floor with a lecture theatre.

The tower was designed by Ronald Ward and Partners and features a 31 storey tower atop a two storey podium. The glass-walled building was said to have been inspired by the works of Modernist German-American architect Mies van der Rohe.

The Millbank Tower was the first building in London to exceed the height of St Paul's Cathedral, and it held the title of London's tallest building briefly, until it was overtaken by the Post Office Tower in 1965.

Millbank Tower is situated on the banks of the River Thames. This picturesque location offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding cityscape.

The nearest tube station to Millbank Tower is Pimlico, which is located on the Victoria Line, approximately 850m away. I've visited the area and can attest that it's a convenient and accessible location.

The tower has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming space for all visitors. This thoughtful design feature ensures that everyone can enjoy the tower's amenities.

There is a public car park nearby, located at Victoria Car Park, which is a 16-minute walk away. This car park has 359 parking spaces, including 6 disability parking spaces, providing ample parking options for visitors.

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Millbank Tower has been home to many high-profile organisations. The Labour Party rented two floors in the tower from 1994 to 2002, using it as their general election campaign centre.

The Labour Party ran their 1997 General Election campaign from these offices and later vacated their headquarters at John Smith House to move to the tower. The party was forced to take out a mortgage of £5.5 million to relocate due to the £1 million per annum rent.

The United Nations also had offices in the tower, but moved out in June 2003 due to high rents. The organisation had been a notable occupant of the building.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Conservative Party based its campaign headquarters at 30 Millbank, in the same complex as Millbank Tower. This was a significant period of time for the tower, with two major political parties using it as their headquarters.

Other notable occupants of the tower include the Central Statistical Office, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, and the Local Government Ombudsman. These public bodies have continued to occupy the building.

Here's a list of some of the organisations that have occupied the tower: