Until now, only members who had signed up in advance to receive their release key could hire the bikes but now the scheme is open to non-members who wish to just pay the terminals.

The cycle hire scheme went live in July but plans to allow casual users to try them have been delayed until now to allow the operator, Serco, to deal with ‘teething problems‘.

There are cycle hire docking stations in the following Mayfair locations:

• Curzon Street
• Sackville Street
• Grafton Street
• Bruton Street
• St George Street
• South Audley Street
• Millennium Hotel
• Grosvenor Square
• North Audley Street
• Green Street
• Woodstock Street

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when its Lord Rogers-designed plans for the Chelsea Barracks were criticised by Prince Charles and subsequently withdrawn.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

The controversial building, which often divides opinion, has been cited as an important piece of modernist architecture by Margaret Hodge.

The Embassy was built between 1955 and 1957 and designed by Eero Saarinen. Last year, it was announced that the Embassy was looking to move to a new site at Nine Elms and would sell the building. Any new buyer will now be forced to maintain the existing facade may dampen price expectations for the gargantuan compound.

The Mail on Sunday has speculated today that Giorgio Armani is in the bidding to buy up the leasehold to the US Embassy building in Mayfair. According to the newspaper he has an ambition to become an international hotellier and thinks the US Embassy building – with the Americans soon to decamp to Nine Elms – could be just what he’s after. One thing is certain: the famous designer will face stiff opposition for this prime piece of real estate.

The Embassy is planning to move to a new site in Nine Elms, and whilst this will take up to five years, applications of initial interest from bidders are being sought. Grosvenor already own the freehold to the site on the western side of Grosvenor Square.

The move, which is expected to take five years to complete, will free up the Eero Saarinen designed building which is expected to achieve a £500 million price tag.

The US diplomatic service has long had a strong association with Grosvenor Square. Former President John Adam lived in Grosvenor Square for a time, and the US Embassy was based at number one Grosvenor Square before moving to its current building which occupies the whole Western side.

The presence of the embassy has meant that the square has played to many protests and demonstrations over the years including the famous anti-Vietnam war march of 1968.

Just last week PropertyWeek claimed that the US Embassy was about to come on the market. But the Americans’ plans to sell of the site looks to be under threat already with the revelation that English Heritage has approached Culture Secretary Andy Burnham with a view to getting the building listed. If “listed” status is approved, this could dramatically devalue the property as investors looking to demolish or radically develop the site will be deterred from buying.

Should the US Embassy be listed?

The US Embassy building has long been a controversial building in Mayfair. Its imposing structure, designed by Eero Saarinen and topped by a golden eagle, are considered an eyesore by many but for others its an iconic building of the 20th century. Do you think the building deserves to be listed? Use the comments box to add your thoughts about the building and what should happen to it in the future.

Image of US Embassy taken from Jeherv’s Photostream under Creative Commons Licence

What do you think? Is £10 a bit expensive? Is this profiteering or a clever move which helps members of the public who have nowhere else to safely store their phone whilst they are in the embassy?

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