Offices still needed, says council after throwing out bid to turn former passport office into a hotel

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

A bid to turn the former UK passport office in Pimlico into a 357-bed hotel has been refused.

Westminster City council turned down the application for Globe House in Bridge Place on the recommendation of officers, due to a lack of evidence proving the building was no longer suitable for office use.

Councillors and residents’ groups had also written to the council opposing the plans, with 42 objections filed citing concerns such as increased antisocial behaviour if the redevelopment was to be approved.

Currently vacant, although most recently part-occupied by HM Passport Office, which moved out in December 2022, applicant Eccleston Square London Ltd’s plans aimed to turn the building into a hotel for ‘everyday visitors’ in the city centre.

Part of the ground floor was also to be used for ‘flexible commercial, business or service premises’.

The crux of the recommended refusal rested on officers deciding the applicant had not demonstrated that office space was surplus to requirements.

Due to its location within the Victoria Opportunity Area, proof of this lack of need is necessary under both the London-wide plan and Westminster’s local plan.

Pictured top: Globe House (Picture: Google Street View)