It was originally known as the Vickers Tower, because it was built for Vickers, a British engineering firm. Since 2002, the tower has been owned by David and Simon Reuben and over the years has become known for very high profile occupants and even higher rents.

The tower has become almost synonymous with politics, as both the Labour and Conservative Parties have used offices in the building.

It is currently the location of the Conservative Party’s campaign headquarters, and the Labour Party also made use of this location in 1995 for its election headquarters and later moved everything to the Millbank offices. By 2002, the rents were in excess of £1 million per year which drove the Labour Party to find another location.

The United Nations was another tenant who chose to find another spot rather than pay such high rent at Millbank.

The building’s strong association with all things political has led to the term “Millbank” being adopted into the popular culture; it means a situation under tight political control and the careful efforts to spin public perception in your favour.

Current occupants of the office building include a caterer, a promotions company, and a public relations firm as well as the ever-present Conservative Party.

The tower is also home to Altitude 360, a collection of events venues that make up a total of 30,000 square feet of luxury space. Corporations and political organizations make frequent use of these venues for events such as product launches, fundraisers, and other such gatherings.

There is reportedly a bidding war going on between beverage mogul Coca-Cola and sports company New Balance, both of which want to rent the venues for the London Olympic Games in 2012.

This iconic structure is some of the hottest property in all of London.

Address: 21-24 Millbank, Westminster, SW1P 4QP

Website: www.millbanktower.co.uk

Photo courtesy: Szilveszter Farkas

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