Millbank Tower, London

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Millbank Tower - A Westminster landmark on the Thames

Millbank Tower (GPS: 51.49232, -0.12579) is a prominent modernist skyscraper located on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster, London.

Rising 118 metres (387 feet) with 31 storeys, the tower dominates the skyline near the Tate Britain and offers some of the most breathtaking views over central London. It is one of the capital’s iconic high-rise buildings outside the traditional City cluster, and has housed everything from political party headquarters to art exhibitions and media events.

History and Construction

Millbank Tower was designed in the early 1960s by Ronald Ward and Partners and was completed in 1963. The architectural style is distinctly International Modernism, characterised by clean lines, a steel frame, and curtain wall glass façade.

The tower was originally built as the headquarters of Vickers, a British engineering conglomerate. Over the decades, it became home to various tenants, including the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, and numerous media and corporate organisations.

At the time of its completion, Millbank Tower was the tallest building in the UK—a title it held until the construction of the BT Tower.

How Millbank Tower Got Its Name

The tower derives its name from the road it stands beside—Millbank. This stretch of road runs along the Thames and has deep historical associations, including with the now-demolished Millbank Prison, which once stood near the tower’s current site.

Millbank Tower was referred to as such from the outset of its life, likely because of its location. There is no evidence of a prior name before “Millbank Tower” became the standard usage.

Distance from Charing Cross

Millbank Tower is situated approximately 1.4 miles (2.25 km) by road from Charing Cross, traditionally considered the central point of London.

The drive typically takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic, making the tower extremely accessible from central London locations.

Nearest Underground Stations

Millbank Tower is well-served by public transport, with several London Underground stations nearby:

• Pimlico Station – on the Victoria Line (approximately 8 minutes on foot)
• Westminster Station – served by the District, Circle, and Jubilee Lines (about 12 minutes’ walk)
• St James’s Park Station – on the District and Circle Lines (around 15 minutes’ walk)

In addition, several bus routes pass directly along Millbank, enhancing its connectivity.

Architectural and Structural Details

Millbank Tower is a 31-storey high-rise with a total height of 118 metres (387 feet). Its slender, rectangular structure allows for wide, uninterrupted views and efficient use of space.

Here’s how the tower is typically arranged:

• Ground and Podium Levels: Reception, lift lobbies, and service access
• Floors 2–29: Primarily open-plan office spaces for a range of corporate and organisational tenants
• Floors 30–31: Once used for executive offices and special events, these floors offer spectacular panoramic views

The building is served by multiple high-speed lifts and includes 24-hour security and concierge services. Its original 1960s façade of steel and glass remains largely intact, giving it a bold and striking presence against the riverside backdrop.

Views from the Top

One of the building’s most attractive features is its sweeping, 360-degree view from the top floors. On clear days, you can see:

• Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster
• The London Eye spinning across the river
• The Shard and City skyline rising to the east
• Battersea Power Station to the southwest
• Hyde Park and Kensington in the northwest distance

This stunning outlook made the tower a popular venue for exclusive corporate and media events in the early 2000s.

Fun Fact: A Political Powerhouse

In recent decades, Millbank Tower earned a reputation as a centre of British political life. Both the Labour and Conservative parties have based major campaign operations in the tower.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, it served as the headquarters for New Labour, led by Tony Blair. The press dubbed it “Millbank Machine” in reference to the powerful campaign apparatus that operated from within.

This association with political strategy and media made it a behind-the-scenes player in major elections and government communications.

Millbank Tower is on the Map of Millbank, London

Painting of Millbank Tower, London (View image in full size)

Page Details

This page was created on 3 May 2025.

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