22 October 2010
3rd March – Update: Planning received January 2011.
22 October 2010
Premier Inn, the UK’s biggest budget hotel chain, has completed a deal with Soho Estates and Cropper & Co. to bring a new 84-bedroom hotel to Leicester Square. The acquisition will see the former Queen’s Hotel restored to its original use with an investment in the region of £6m. The Premier Inn is expected to create approximately 40 jobs and is scheduled to open in Spring 2012.
Stephen Cropper, from Premier Inn’s retained agents Cropper & Cocommented; “We are delighted to bring the Queen’s House project to Premier Inn. This represents the 15th hotel site we have recently secured for Premier Inn and I am absolutely delighted that it should be such a prestigious one”.
The historic property, which was built in 1897, is of Portland stone and has an elaborately ornamented French Renaissance exterior. It is located on the north side of Leicester Square, on the corner of Leicester Place next to the Empire Cinema. The property is currently home to a number of operators, including a casino, a restaurant and a nightclub, ‘Ruby Blue’, all of which will remain.
Derek Griffin, Head of Acquisitions for Whitbread – Greater London, said: “This is a truly outstanding location and to secure it for Premier Inn is fantastic news. This hotel will give budget-conscious visitors to the capital a chance to stay in London’s entertainment heart.”
Paul Whalan, Head of Estates at Soho Estates said: “A great deal of effort has been put in by all parties to agree a conversion scheme for this historic building – in fact Steve Cropper and I have been working on the project for over three years so it’s wonderful to see it all finally come together. It will give me great pleasure to see Queen’s House restored to its original use as a hotel.”
The refurbishment will transform the interior of the property; each of the 84 bedrooms will be fitted-out to Premier Inn’s high-quality standard and will include air conditioning and WiFi. 24-hour automated check-in kiosks will offer guests a speedy check-in option. Guests will also be reassured by Premier Inn’s ‘good night guarantee’of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service.
Cropper & Co represented Premier Inn; Soho Estates used its internal property team led by Paul Whalan and directed by Managing Director, John James.