High above the Thames the Oxo Tower Restaurant offers breathtaking views. The Oxo Tower Wharf isn’t just a pretty face though. Its story is one of power transformation and community spirit.
Originally built in the late 19th century the building served as a power station. It provided electricity to the Royal Mail post office a vital hub in its day. This powerhouse later transformed.
In the 1920s the Liebig Extract of Meat Company bought the building. They were the makers of Oxo beef stock cubes a product we still know today. The company planned to use the building as a cold store. A major reconstruction followed.
Architect Albert Moore redesigned the building in the Art Deco style. Much of the original structure was demolished but the river-facing facade remained. The company wanted a tower with illuminated signs advertising Oxo. However skyline advertising was banned along the South Bank.
Clever Moore designed a tower with four sets of three windows. Each set coincidentally resembled a circle a cross and another circle. This cleverly sidestepped the advertising ban. The windows became the building’s iconic feature even though public access is restricted.
The building’s fortunes changed again. It fell into disrepair during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Demolition was proposed but met with local opposition. Eventually the Greater London Council bought the site selling it to the Coin Street Community Builders.
The 1990s brought a major refurbishment. The Oxo Tower Wharf was reborn. It now houses shops galleries flats and the popular Oxo Tower Restaurant. A public viewing gallery offers stunning views. The Wharf won numerous awards for urban regeneration showcasing a remarkable transformation.
Today OXO Tower Wharf thrives. It’s a symbol of London’s vibrant South Bank. It seamlessly blends history architecture and community. The building’s journey from power station to a cultural hub is a testament to resilience and vision. And those iconic windows still stand as a subtle reminder of clever ingenuity and a dash of rebellion.