London’s Landmark Sold: Historic Old War Office Building Acquired By The Hinduja Group

London’s Landmark Sold: Historic Old War Office Building Acquired By The Hinduja Group in Partnership with OHLD

Hinduja Group along with a Spanish firm named Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD), has just purchased one of London’s most historic landmarks, the Old War Office building that housed the office of former British PM Winston Churchill.

Whitehall Property Sold

Old War Office Building, a landmark property measuring 580,000 sq ft was sold on a 250 year lease arrangement for an amount which was not revealed. Some media reports have said the sale proceed was around GBP100 Mn.

The sale of the building commenced after it was declared surplus for the Ministry of Defence requirements in the month of August in 2013. London Estate Rationalisation of the MoD constitutes this historic building as well.

From Historic Landmark to 5 Star Hotel

Following the sale, the 107 year old building which had around 1,100 rooms and approximately 7 floors with more than two miles of corridors will become a slew of residential apartments and a 5 star hotel to boot. The heritage building at 57, Whitehall is located close to the British Parliament and the official residence of the British PM. It is connected by greater than 3 km/2 miles of corridors.The new avatar of the Old War Office Building will also have a series of private function rooms plus spa and fitness facilities.

About Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD)

OHLD is a massive international construction group formed via the merger of many companies namely Desarrollos, Obrascon, Lain and Huarte. The group has an international presence spread across 30 countries at present. The Hindujas have collaborated with this Spanish industrial company for acquiring the building where Churchill once partied Second World War manoeuvres.

Honouring the Heritage

Group Chairman S P Hinduja and Co-Chairman G P Hinduja said in an official statement on behalf of the company, "We will make every effort to honour the heritage and restoration of this national monument, elevate its status and reconnect it with the public."

"We will forge a new future for the site, creating a vibrant and sustainable destination that retains and enhances the historical importance of the building. We are proud to be playing such a crucial role in this new chapter for the Old War Office," they also added. Britain's Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Hinduja Group, in collaboration with OHLD, with main shareholder Grupo Villar Mir, has successfully acquired the Old War Office. Constructed in the year 1906, the Old War Office housed secretaries of state such as Lord Haldane, Lord Kitchener, David Lloyd-George and Winston Churchill.