Millbank Tower, London

Luxurious: Plans for the sky bar, unveiled today (Picture: Motcomb Estates)

In a statement on the Millbank Tower Proposals website, the developer said: "Millbank Tower and complex are Grade II listed buildings sitting in an area rich with history and heritage, adjacent to several conservation areas and a stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Parliament Square.

"We neighbour the renowned Tate Britain art gallery and nearby Chelsea School of Art so we believe our proposed addition of a culture centre, as a key part of our proposals, can confirm the north bank of the Thames as an enriched arts and culture destination."

If given the go-ahead, the luxury hotel would fill the adjacent "Y" building, which - like the tower - would be extended by three storeys.

Cultural centre: The arts complex is one of a number of extra plans for the site, alongside a 200-room hotel (Picture: Motcomb Estates)

Architects John McAslan and Partners have been appointed by developers Motcomb Estates to lead the redevelopment.

The tower, sandwiched between conservation areas on the north bank of the Thames. is currently filled with offices. Its tenants include the Environment Agency and Audit Commission, while the Conservative Party's campaign HQ is housed at 30 Millbank in the same complex.

Views: The hotel would include a roof terrace if given the go-ahead (Picture: Motcomb Estates)

The Millbank Tower was London's highest structure following its construction in 1963. It was overtaken by the Post Office tower in 1965.

The additional storeys would extend the 119m block to roughly 130m - meaning it would leapfrog buildings such as the Barbican's Shakespeare Tower to become the capital's 26th highest, behind Wembley Stadium.