London-based developer the Galliard Group is working with the Crown Estate to convert the Grade II-listed building into either Mercer London or Chateau Marmont London, or an equivalent ‘Hollywood-level’ brand.
The 92,000 sq.ft, 235-bedroom hotel will open in 2016, boasting one of the capital’s most luxurious and expensive VIP suites, available for £10,000 a night.
“Our vision is to create one of London’s most outstanding five-star hotels,” said Stephen Conway, chief executive of the Galliard Group. “It really is a “blue-chip” building with grand architecture, a fascinating history and large dramatic interiors.
“The street is quiet and tranquil yet on the doorstep of London’s most famous landmarks including Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, the Mall and Buckingham Palace.”
Outstanding luxury
The Galliard Group have acquired a 125-year lease on the building, with the 26-month construction programme – costing over £50m – commencing next month. Features of the new hotel will include a grand entrance foyer, winter garden lounge, signature restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge, and a 120-seat main conference room.
The group’s managing director added Don O’ Sullivan added: “We want to create a world-class hotel of the quality of The Mercer or the Chateau Marmont, a place renowned for exceptional service, destination dining and leisure and outstanding luxury and quality.”
The building at 3-5 Great Scotland began life as an Embassy-style dwelling for the Kings of Scotland when they visited King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I at the neighbouring Whitehall Palace.
In 1829, Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel selected Great Scotland Yard as the headquarters of the newly founded Metropolitan Police force. And in 1910, the current Edwardian building was constructed on the site and served as the British Army Recruitment Office and Royal Military Police headquarters.
In 1982, a refurbishment introduced a new atrium and the building later became the Ministry of Defence Library until 2004. With this new development, the building will be extended with two new levels of basement and two new floors above the existing roof level.
VIP Suite
The Imperial red brick and stone façade of the building will be retained, behind which a bespoke specification and state-of-the-art technology, entertainment systems and security will be integrated.
An adjoining Edwardian office building at 1 Great Scotland Yard will be incorporated into the new hotel, with the space being used to create a VIP suite for visiting business tycoons, celebrities, musicians and heads of state.
Arranged over several floors, the suite will include a VIP bedroom suite on its own private floor complete with walk-in dressing rooms, day room and a spa-style main bathroom with living room, media room and other entertaining on other levels – making it one of the most luxurious and expensive hotel suites in central London.
The Galliard Group are currently in the process of approaching the world’s top hotel operators to create ‘the perfect luxury destination hotel’ at the address.