US Embassy Sold to Qatari Diar

It has been reported that the US Embassy building in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, has been sold to the middle eastern property investor, Qatari Diar.

Qatari Diar attracted controversy when its Lord Rogers-designed plans for the Chelsea Barracks were criticised by Prince Charles and subsequently withdrawn.

The US Embassy was last month given Grade II listed building status and will not be vacated until around 2016-2017, at which time the new compound at Nine Elms should be ready to move into.