Fortress House
23 Savile Row, London, W1
W. Curtis Green R.A.,Son and Lloyd. 1949/50. Unlisted

Building History
Fortress House was constructed in 1949/1950. It was fitted out for the intended use as the headquarters of the newly created Central Electricity Board. It was briefly occupied by the Ministry of Town and Country Planning, and then from 1951 became the Ministry of Health's "Headquarters". In recent years it has been the HQ of English Heritage.

Architectural Assessment
The symmetrical plan of the building incorporates a central rectangular block of eight stories with two wings, each of seven stories. The central block is set back behind a courtyard.   The structure has a re-enforced concrete frame with solid reinforced concrete floors. The elevations to Savile Row and New Burlington Street are faced with Portland Stone, with the remaining sides and internal courtyards in Uxbridge Flint Bricks. (The decorative sculptural motifs were carved by Laurence A. Turner.)

The building is characterised by the elegant proportionality of its component parts, including the modulated rhythms of the fenestration. The detailing is precise and fine. (Notable detailing includes: a schematic dental cornice at the top of the central block; the crisply executed and precisely arranged rustication at ground floor level; and the carved sculptural decoration.) The main Savile Row entrance is a dramatic and effective composition from simple classical elements. (It includes the characteristic motif of a triangular pediment surmounting a recessed semicircular headed niche previously employed by W. Curtis Green RA in his designs for the entrances to the Queens Hotel Leeds and the extension to New Scotland Yard.)

The overall impression of the building is of great dignity, measured proportion, and 'timeless' classical simplicity.

The building is not listed. (The Society supported an unsuccessful attempt to list Fortress House in 2003.)

The Architects
The architects were W. Curtis Green R.A.,Son and Lloyd . This practice comprised William Curtis Green, his son Christopher Green, and his son-in-law Anthony Lloyd. At the time of this commission W. Curtis Green, although 75 years of age, was still the firm's senior partner. (He did not finally retire from practice until 1958.) The main designer of Fortress House was Anthony Lloyd , with William Curtis Green RA also involved throughout the project - he was "an active partner".  

Planning History and Proposed Redevelopment
Conservation area consent and planning permission were granted by Westminster City Council on 22nd July 2004 for the demolition of Fortress House and the redevelopment of the site as offices plus six apartments. (Reference Nos. 03/07024/FUL & 03/07025/CAC.)

New applications for conservation area consent and planning permission were submitted by Legal and General Assurance to Westminster City Council on 14th February 2005. These applications (references 05/01210/CAC and 05/01085/FULL) related to a revised redevelopment scheme for retail/showroom use in the basement and part ground floor with 7 floors office accommodation above.   Unlike the previous redevelopment scheme, there is no residential component.) On 27th October 2005 the Westminster Planning Committee resolved that is was minded to grant consents to these applications, subject to the completion of a Section 106 planning obligation by Legal & General. Planning permission for this redevelopment scheme and conservation consent to demolish the existing building have now been issued. (The Society objected to Westminster to the proposed demolition.)

On 1.12.2005 the DCMS issued a certificate of immunity from listing in respect of Fortress House. This certificate is effective for five years.

Current Status Summary
Planning permissions have been granted for two alternative schemes for comprehensive redevelopment of the site. Conservation Area consent to demolish Fortress House has been issued in respect of both schemes. A certificate of 'immunity from listing' is in force till December 2010.

English Heritage has indicated they are prepared to agree a surrender of their lease so as to facilitate early redevelopment.

Further Reading
Contemporary references to the construction of Fortress House can be found at:

• Architecture & Building News 12th May 1950;
• The Builder 22nd February 1950 pages 288 -291;
• Architecture Illustrated October 1955 pages 69 & 70.

W. Curtis Green R.A. by Professor Reilly - Building July 1929

  'Curtis Green RA' Architecture Illustrated, October 1953

'Masterly Glow' Building Design 20.1 1978

'The Drawings of W. Curtis Green RA' Batsford 1949

Catalogue to the 1978 Retrospective Exhibition 'W. Curtis Green RA: Architect & Draftsman 1875-1960'

The SAVE Campaign
SAVE Britain's Heritage have a long-running campaign to secure the future retention of Fortress House. SAVE's efforts received impetus recently with an approach from a serious party with major backing seeking to give the building an alternative, but profitable new use with a scheme providing for the retention of this architectualy important building.

Adam Wilkinson of SAVE stated:

"Plans are currently being drawn up to demonstrate how the building could be saved from the wrecker's ball, and reused, while bringing its owner, Legal & General, the same level of income that the demolition scheme would. SAVE sincerely hopes that Legal and General see sense and take on this option."

For further information contact Adam Wilkinson, Secretary, SAVE Britain's Heritage on 020 7253 3500 or see www.savebritainsheritage.org

SAVE's campaign to is supported by The Twentieth Century Society

Joseph Mirwitch