Tower Hamlets Council has approved a 15-year lease for the sixth floor of its Town Hall to the London Air Ambulance, a move expected to generate significant revenue and address building under-occupation.
The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is projected to bring in approximately £625,000 per year in rent and service charges. Over the first five years, the total projected income from rent, service charges, and rates is £3,124,633. This letting is anticipated to drastically reduc[e] the council's financial liabilities for the town hall,
as outlined in the public reports pack for the meeting Public reports pack 23rd-Sep-2026 15.00 Cabinet.
The Town Hall is currently under-occupied due to evolving working patterns and changes in staff numbers. The letting of the sixth floor is a key part of the council's strategy to tackle this issue, not only by generating income but also by enabling a restack
of the building's occupation over fewer floors, contributing to the council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
The London Air Ambulance, a vital emergency medical service, will occupy the sixth floor. While the organisation has been confirmed by the council's agent as established and financially stable
and able to afford the rent and running costs without presenting a risk, specific financial details beyond this assessment were not provided.
Final details of the lease agreement, including access arrangements, rent-free periods, and service charges, are still to be agreed upon by the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration in consultation with the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer.
Regarding the London Air Ambulance's operational setup, they will have access to certain basement facilities, such as cycling storage. However, they will not have use of the Town Hall's full kitchen or terrace facilities. The council is reviewing operational impacts, including building access, security, and control access systems, with the potential for a dedicated lift or individual lift access control being considered.
This decision was part of the agenda for the Cabinet meeting, details of which can be found in the Agenda frontsheet 23rd Sep 2026 15.00 Cabinet.