This video explores the history and evolution of MI6's headquarters building, from its origins as a hidden office in London to its current location in Vauxhall Cross. The building is designed to be a secure fortress and is rumored to contain features such as a shooting range and ultra-secure areas. The construction of the building was kept secret, with the government buying the building outright and reducing public scrutiny of payments. The video is sponsored by Brilliant and aims to raise awareness of construction's mental health crisis.
1. The building behind the presenter is the London office of MI6, Britain's secret intelligence service.
2. The previous headquarters of MI6 were often rented commercial spaces under false names to maintain secrecy.
3. Century House, MI6's previous headquarters, was widely known among the public and compromised in terms of secrecy and security.
4. Regalian Properties approached the government in 1987 with an offer for a proposed development on the South Bank of the Thames, which would become MI6's new headquarters.
5. MI6's new headquarters, officially named SIS HQ, is designed to be completely secure with a bomb and bulletproof triple glazed windows, extra-thick doors, and a faraday cage to block radio waves.
6. MI6's new headquarters was seen as an opportunity to create a new, more public phase for the service.