James Bond’s Fort Knox for sale in City of London

One of the City of London’s finest freehold buildings, the former Midland Bank headquarters at 27-35 Poultry and 5 Princes Street, EC2, has been put on the market by Administrators Malcolm Shierson and Jamie Toynton of Grant Thornton.

Knight Frank has been appointed as sole agent by Grant Thornton, administrators of Poultry Developments Limited (in Administration); to market the grade I-listed Lutyens designed building, whose vault starred as Fort Knox in the1964 Bond film, Goldfinger.

This unique and world class asset which is located next to The Bank of England is suitable for a variety of alternative uses to include office, hotel and mixed use, subject to the necessary planning consents.

The property was purchased in September 2006 by a private Russian investor for a reported £72 million. Planning permission was received on November 2008 to convert the 291,573 sq ft property into a luxury hotel. It has permission for 181 bedrooms, bars, restaurants, health clubs, private members’ club and roof garden, protecting the Portland stone façade and interior features including Lutyens’ banking hall which is decorated with marble Corinthian columns.

The private Russian investor bought the five storey property from Paul Kemsley, Apprentice star interviewer and former Tottenham Hotspur vice-chairman.

Dominic Mayes, head of hotels, Knight Frank, commented: “This building is steeped in history and it will be fascinating to see its future development. The property presents a unique opportunity for an investor to create a landmark hotel in a prime central London location, but would equally suit alternative uses. The location and nature of the building is truly outstanding.”