PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Press Release

26 June 2008
American Embassy completes Perimeter Security Project

The American Embassy is pleased to announce that major work on the Embassy's Perimeter Security Project was completed on Thursday, January 26, 2008.

The finished project includes new landscaping, a larger pedestrian area, and the opening of two new visitor-access pavilions to facilitate entry into the Embassy while reducing congestion and improving the Embassy's appearance. The northern pavilion is for individuals seeking visas, while the southern pavilion is for official visitors to the Embassy and for American citizens seeking consular services.

The perimeter security project was designed and built in close cooperation with law enforcement officials and officials from Westminster City Council to make both the Embassy and the surrounding neighborhood more secure.

Work began in early January, 2007. The U.S. Government paid for the project, which totaled almost $15 million dollars.

The Embassy is extremely grateful to UK law enforcement, local officials, and the Embassy's neighbors for their patient support and understanding as the project progressed. The U.S. Embassy has a long and historic connection with Grosvenor Square and places great importance on being a good neighbor.

For more information on the history of the American Embassy's Chancery building in London, please use the following the link to the Embassy webpage:
http://london.usembassy.gov/rcambldg.html

Time Line

• 09 May 2008 - Ambassador Tuttle About Improvements at the Embassy
• 28 March 2007 - Embassy Update: Perimeter Security Project
• 27 November 2006 - Embassy Breaks Ground on Perimeter Security Initiative

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