Flats makeover for 'ugliest building'

A hated Brutalist tower often described as the ugliest building in London is to be converted into private apartments with stunning views of the City after it proved too difficult to knock down.

Developers hope the latest plans for the 39-year-old Archway Tower will boost regeneration of an area of north London blighted by a block that one critic said had a “tall, brooding presence” similar to Star Wars villain Darth Vader.

Its new owner, US- backed property company Essential Living, plans to invest £30 million softening the appearance of the 17-storey block and converting the former social security office space into more than 100 one-and-two-bedroom flats for rent. Executive director Scott Hammond said: “This is no small challenge. But there are architectural things you can do with the cladding system to make it less oppressive.”

Plans to demolish the block, overlooking Archway gyratory system, were dropped in 2005 because of the estimated £15-£20 million cost.