Hinduja Group and OHL Desarrollos plan to make the Old War Office building a vibrant London landmark
March 2, 2016
On 1st March 2016 the Hinduja Group and OHL Desarrollos completed the purchase of the 580,000 sq ft, Old War Office in Whitehall. The property has been acquired from the Ministry of Defence on a 250 year lease following a competitive marketing process.
The two Groups will restore the historic fabric of the Old War Office and revitalise a location that has unparalleled place in the United Kingdom’s social and political history.
Mr. Prakash P Hinduja, Chairman (Europe), of the Hinduja Group said: “We have a new vision for the Old War Office. We are delighted with the unique opportunity we have been given to become the new custodians of this famous Whitehall building. Working in close collaboration with key partners including the Ministry of Defence, Westminster City Council, Historic England and The Prince’s Regeneration Trust we will work meticulously to restore the distinctive and historic fabric of the building, and convert it into a distinguished hotel and luxury residences, bringing a further dimension to this prominent Whitehall landmark.”
Mr Juan-Miguel Villar-Mir, chairman of the Villar-Mir and the OHL Group said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with the Hinduja Group on this historic and prestigious project.
The development of the Old War Office is the perfect project fit for OHL Desarrollos, having recently worked on successfully developing the heritage site at Canalejas, in Madrid, as a world-class residential, hotel and commercial destination.”
Mr. Sanjiv Chadha, (Regional Head, UK) of the State Bank of India, London said: “With this high profile project and collaboration we have stepped into the London real estate market and we are committed to the successful completion of the project.”
With this significant investment, the new owners are fully committed to the redevelopment of the Old War Office, with the vision to prolong and enhance its life for the next 100 years and more, giving it a new vital purpose.
From left to right, Mr. Juan-Miguel Villar Mir, Chairman of the OHL Group; Mr. Prakash P. Hinduja, Chairman (Europe), of the Hinduja Group; Mr. Mark Lancaster TD MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans; y Mr. Gopichand P. Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group.