U.S. to build new, more secure embassy in London

The United States says it plans to sell its landmark London embassy and build a more secure facility on industrial land south of the river Thames.

Ambassador Robert Tuttle says the State Department has agreed to buy a five acre site at Nine Elms in the Wandsworth area.

The State Department says the existing Embassy building will be put up for sale “almost immediately.” The move requires approval from Congress and local planning authorities and Tuttle said relocation is probably five years away.

The U.S. has been selling off embassies and other diplomatic buildings around the world in a move to increase security.