News: three residential towers designed by Foster + Partners for a riverside development in central London have been given the go-ahead by Lambeth Council.

Foster + Partners' towers are part of mixed-use scheme led by St James Group on Albert Embankment, a stretch of land on the south side of the river Thames near Lambeth Bridge.

Ranging from 15 to 27 storeys in height, the towers will contain 253 apartments and a bar, gym and pool for residents, as well as restaurants and offices. The smallest tower will be positioned behind the tallest one and can just be seen on the left of the development in the top image.

The scheme is part of the £15 billion Nine Elms regeneration project, which includes plans for 16,000 new homes on a 195-hectare site between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge.

Grant Brooker, senior partner at Foster + Partners, commented: "We hope to transform this important and highly visible site into a vibrant riverside community that sets a benchmark for the regeneration of this part of the river."

In 2010, Philadelphia architect Kieran Timberlake won a competiton to design the new US embassy in the UK, also located in the Nine Elms area – see all architecture in London.

Foster + Partners recently unveiled a polished steel canopy in the harbour of Marseille and announced plans to research 3D printing on the moon using lunar soil – see all architecture by Foster + Partners.

Images are by Foster + Partners.

Here's the press release from Foster + Partners:

Planning granted for landmark mixed-use scheme on London's Albert Embankment

Lambeth Council has approved plans for St James Group’s new mixed-use scheme at 20-21 Albert Embankment in London. Consent was granted for three landmark buildings designed by Foster + Partners, ranging from 15 to 27 storeys in height and providing 253 apartments, including affordable homes for senior living, along with offices, restaurants and a residents’ bar, gym, pool and spa.

The scheme is the latest development to achieve planning in Nine Elms – a 195-hectare site between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge on the South Bank, which represents the largest regeneration initiative in Europe. The £15 billion Nine Elms project will include 16,000 new homes and 6.4million sq ft commercial space with planning consent.

Cllr Lib Peck, Leader of Lambeth Council: "This new development on Albert Embankment is another important stage of the transformation of Vauxhall. Developments like 20-21 Albert Embankment are essential to bringing new jobs, new affordable homes and inward investment into Lambeth which will secure our long-term economic growth."

Sean Ellis, Chairman of St James: "St James is in the fortunate position of owning a number of developments that will have a lasting impact on London and in this case its riverscape. This is a responsibility we take very seriously and are therefore committed to working with the world’s best architects and designers to produce developments which help enhance our world class city. Over 90% of the homes will have their own balcony, many with stunning views of the river and the Houses of Parliament. In addition, St James has carefully considered the landscape architecture as part of the wider strategy, delivering public realm spaces on all three sites that will be of exceptional quality."

Grant Brooker, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners: "We are absolutely delighted that 20-21 Albert Embankment has received planning permission – working alongside our clients at St James and with great support from Lambeth and the GLA, we hope to transform this important and highly visible site into a vibrant riverside community that sets a benchmark for the regeneration of this part of the river."