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LONDON’S ANSWER TO FORT KNOX

Bombproof vaults hold millions of pounds worth of priceless goods from Picasso paintings to rare jewels

The building has been constructed to withstand bombs, floods and fire

SUPER-rich clients are hiding their expensive stash in vaults under a former library in London’s supposed answer to Fort Knox.

From just £18 per week, the virtually bomb-proof, fire-resistant and water-tight location offers up a safe place to store luxury items.

The underground vaults hold luxury items, from expensive paintings to priceless jewels
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The underground vaults hold luxury items, from expensive paintings to priceless jewelsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Following the Hatton Garden heist, which a secure unit in the famed jewellery district of London robbed, this different 10,000 square foot building was given a high security makeover.

Armitage Vaults’ underground unit is protected by one-metre thick concrete walls and is manned by security.

It offers up 135 steel-lined, climate-controlled units ranging from six square foot to 100 square foot in size.

Security are in constant surveillance of the units, which are 40 feet underground
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Security are in constant surveillance of the units, which are 40 feet undergroundCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Items secured in the Fort Knox's style location can be insured for up to £150,000
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Items secured in the Fort Knox's style location can be insured for up to £150,000Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

It’s believed the storage, which is 40 feet underground, holds all manner of valuables, from Picasso paintings to jewels.

Visitors must enter the Armitage Vaults through security doors, before they’re led into a manned security room and loading bay.

Clients splurge between £18 and £168 per week to keep their luxury valuables safe, and items are insured up to a value of £150,000.

The vaults range in size, from six square foot to a whopping 100 square foot
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The vaults range in size, from six square foot to a whopping 100 square footCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
All units are steel lined and are also protected by one-metre thick concrete walls
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All units are steel lined and are also protected by one-metre thick concrete wallsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

In special cases, cover can be extended to items worth £10million.

Chris Lanitis, Director of Amazon Property, revealed: "The private clients occasionally bring friends or family to view the artwork and valuables being stored, whilst the corporate clients include private medical outlets and hospitals storing sensitive documents and equipment.

"There are also luxury retailers storing stock."

The interior of the 1920s building complements the lavish items that are stored within it
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The interior of the 1920s building complements the lavish items that are stored within itCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Beneath the pristine halls lies a series of high-security vaults, which can be hired out from £18 per week
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Beneath the pristine halls lies a series of high-security vaults, which can be hired out from £18 per weekCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The £30 million project helped to transform the library that held records for the Royal National Institute for the blind
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The £30 million project helped to transform the library that held records for the Royal National Institute for the blindCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

In a £30million project, Armitage Vaults was created by London developer Amazon Property.

Charles Gourgey, chief executive of Amazon Property, said: "We were inspired by the famous Fort Knox vault in Kentucky and there is nothing else like it in Central London.

"The episode over the Hatton Gardens Depository brought into the spotlight the urgent need for a modern storage facility in London where day to day valuables can be stored on a short or long stay basis.

"Our storage units provide easy, convenient access with constant peace of mind."

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The 1920s building was previously used as the library, records office and storage centre for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Its former use was also storing sight testing equipment and other technological machinery for the first prototypes of Braille.

Following the extreme makeover, Amazon Property named the building Armitage Vaults in honour of Dr Thomas Armitage, the founder of the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

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