Australian property developer Third.i has acquired Westminster Tower on the banks of the river Thames that is currently a 47,000 sqft fourteen storey office block which was previously a Royal Doulton manufacturing site.
The plan is to transform the 1980’s building into one of London’s premier private residences that will include floor to ceiling, double height glass windows featuring some of the best views ever offered of London’s icons and the city.
This will be the developer’s third major residential project in London since entering the UK market five years ago.
The project will use building partner Ant Yapi, a European construction firm known for prime projects in Belgravia and overlooking Hyde Park in London.
Ron Dadd, Third.i’s co-founder, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged on this landmark building in a challenging market.
“This acquisition reconfirms our continued confidence in London’s prime real estate market, adding to our fast-growing fleet of luxury schemes in the UK.
“Offering some of London’s most enviable views that will never be built out or repeated, combined with exquisite interiors designed and implemented by BANDA, The Doulton delivers an ultra-exclusive and luxurious collection of homes where residents can be proud to live.
“We can’t wait to start construction on the project and are excited to be working with BANDA to bring The Doulton to life.”
Lambeth Council has approved planning for 28 apartments made up of 3 lateral whole floor penthouses with 360 degree views, 25 two- and three-bedroom apartments all with direct views across the Thames, 18 parking spaces and 3,312 sq ft commercial space.
In addition, there will be health & wellness facilities on the second floor of the building to include a private gym, yoga and Pilates studio, infrared sauna, whilst on the ground floor will be a lounge area, meeting room, work space, concierge desk and communal terrace for residents to enjoy.
With its sales launch planned for mid-September 2023, the building is set to become a landmark on its side of the River Thames, and will be renamed to ‘The Doulton’ in recognition of the site history as a Royal Doulton manufacturing site.
Located in a prime position on the banks of the river at the junction of Albert Embankment and Lambeth Bridge, residents will be able to sit back and enjoy one of London’s finest panoramic views across the River Thames to Houses of Parliament.
BANDA, who has been appointed by Third.i as the interior designer and architect, will be crafting and delivering exquisite contemporary interiors which are intrinsically beautiful and faultlessly functional with timeless elegance.
This acquisition follows Third.i’s project in Battersea in 2018 followed by Graphite Square in Vauxhall which is due to launch in the UK later this year.
Over the last twenty years, Third.i has become a global leader in property development and investment, rapidly expanding its property portfolio with diverse investments led by Co-Founder’s Luke Berry and Robert Huxley in Sydney and Co-Founder, Ron Dadd, who transferred from Australia to London in 2022 to head up their new office in Vauxhall.
Third.i is already on track to acquire three additional sites by the end of 2024 in London, which combined will add an impressive GDV in excess of £800million. In addition, its UK team has doubled in the last two years.
Richard Eden, head of architecture and technical at BANDA, added: “BANDA enjoys collaborating with partners that share our vision for creating unique and exceptional properties around the globe.
“Having perfected their craft in the luxury residential market back home in Australia, we welcome the opportunity to form a close partnership with Third.i on the design of The Doulton.
“Taking advantage of its position on the banks of the River Thames and with panoramic views out to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, The Doulton will set a new benchmark for luxury living, incorporating a unique wellness suite as part of its offering.
“We will respond to this prime location by overlaying the background context with BANDA’s design language of crafting interiors that are rich in materiality, layered with a strong narrative that blends heritage and artisanal pieces, informed by the people that inhabit them.
“This combination of aesthetic authenticity, luxury private facilities and generous cityscape views will set The Doulton apart from many, if not all, of the comparable developments along the river in this part of London.”
