It was announced today that Admiralty Arch on The Mall is the latest historic government building to be leased to a private developer – at a cost of £60m. The aim is to raise revenue and cut civil service costs – a much needed move some would argue; the result, however, will be a new sense of style and lease of life for this grande dame as it faces the twenty first century with a new purpose as a luxury hotel and apartments.

This is just the latest in a series of historic capital landmarks to be redefined for a new era. Just last month Foster & Partners’ latest project ME London in Aldwych was opened as a design hotel to great applause and commendation. The Foster & Partners project was shortlisted in this year’s International Design & Architecture Awards, which were held last month at The Dorchester.

www.thedesignawards.co.uk      ME London by Foster & Partners