Former Transport for London Art-Deco Headquarters to Become Luxury Hotel
Main Photo: The TFL HQ at 55 Broadway, London
Date: June 2020
Location: Broadway, St James/Westminster, London SW1, UK
Name: 55 Broadway, to become a Blue Orchid Hotel
No. of Keys: 526
Seller: Transport for London sold the complex, which was described as London’s ‘first skyscraper’, to the hotel company for over £120m in September 2019.
The Grade-I listed former headquarters of Transport for London will be converted into a new luxury hotel after development plans were given the green light.
Westminster City Council has granted permission for the building at 55 Broadway, which was first constructed in 1929, to be transformed into a new 526-bedroom hotel owned and operated by Blue Orchid Hotels.
Buyer: Integrity International founder Tony Matharu said: “I am delighted that we are able to move forward with our well-prepared plans for this unique location.
“Having worked closely with TfL and a number of other stakeholders, I feel we have a shared vision for the future of this complex.
“As guardian of the heritage and historical value throughout the buildings I feel privileged to be leading this exciting project. To breathe new life into the space, create new value and to welcome everyone to enjoy this special property will be very rewarding.”
Tony was one of three brothers that sold four Grange hotels to Queensgate Investments for a record-breaking £1bn last year. The brothers have since gone their own way, with Tony taking on some of the other Grange hotels to establish Blue Orchid.
The project is being headed up by EPR Architects, the folks behind London’s The Ned, Rosewood London and the refurb of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane and several others.
THPT Comment: Good to see Blue Orchid buying this shrine to art-deco to build a seriously large hotel, almost opposite the Conrad London St James.
First Seen: Boutique Hotelier
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