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Excerpt from the British Embassy in Berlin web site:

In 1991 the Bundestag voted to move the seat of Government from Bonn to Berlin. Following this historic decision, the British Government decided to return its embassyto its pre-War site on Wilhelmstraße, next door to the Hotel Adlon and close to the Brandenburg Gate.

In 1994/95 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office held a competition to choose an architect for the new building, which was won by Michael Wilford and Partners, London, a leading British firm with a strong presence in Germany. The new British Embassy has 6 floors and a total of 9000 sqm office space. Approximately 150 diplomats and local staff carry out the full range of Embassy functions including commercial, consular, political and press work. The new building was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 18 July 2000. It was the first time that a British monarch attended the opening ceremony of a new diplomatic mission

An important feature of the new Embassy is the accessibility for members of the public. The public areas are used for various events, e.g. receptions, podium discussions, conferences, book launches, exhibitions and concerts. The architect's use of glass and light gives visitors an impression of the representational and day-to-day functions of the entire building. The design includes a courtyard and wintergarden, which allow daylight and afternoon sun into the heart of the building and give natural ventilation to all offices.

At the ground-breaking ceremony on 29 June 1998, Derek Fatchett MP, Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office described the new Embassy as "...a building in the heart of Germany's new seat of Government that will serve its purpose both as a modern working environment and as a showcase for Britain." The foundation-stone-laying ceremony took place on 22 September 1998.