The spies next door: new Westminster flats sandwiched between MI5 and Burberry HQ

Westminster’s parliamentary quarter is buzzing ahead of tomorrow’s local elections, while the local property market is generating excitement, too.

What used to be a discreet “Division Bell” address for blue-blood politicians is now finding favour with buyers fleeing pricier central districts such as Chelsea and Belgravia.

One of the area’s riverside landmarks, 9 Millbank is the latest launch, and brings 95 swanky apartments priced from £999,950.

The scheme, part listed, looms over Lambeth Bridge and is sandwiched between MI5 offices and Burberry’s HQ.

Part of the project entails demolition of Ergon House, built in 1907 as the Horseferry Road Electrical Power Station, and designed by Wimbledon Centre Court architect Charles Stanley Peach.

In its place will be a neoclassical-style building clad in limestone and granite with Art Deco flourishes, while grand flats in the retained listed building are coming later. Call St Edward (020 7118 7799) for details.

Millbank is perhaps most famous for Tate Britain, but back from the Thames lies a quiet neighbourhood with a mix of well-kept private, council and charitable housing estates.

Listed Chelsea College of Arts, formerly the Royal Army Medical College, adds a bohemian touch.

Westminster council flogged off many local properties during the Eighties and these SW1 “right-to-buy” resales are among the most desirable ex-local authority homes in London. Blocks are spotlessly clean with private courtyards.

Vincent Square is a great green space, though not open to the public as its 13 acres of private playing fields are owned by Westminster School.

Moments from here is another new apartment scheme, 33 Greycoat Street, with 23 tastefully designed homes behind a stone and red-brick façade with elegant geometric railings.

Large, bronze-framed windows throw in light, while interiors have high ceilings, comfort cooling and underfloor heating, sleek Poliform kitchens and wardrobes, marble-walled bathrooms, sliding internal doors and solid oak floors.

A wow-factor penthouse comes with a wraparound roof terrace accessed via an electronically controlled glazed stairwell. Prices from £850,000. Call 020 3632 1549.