Design Centre ready to build London hotel
THE Business Design Centre in Islington, north London, has gained planning permission to build a 192-bedroom hotel adjacent to the trade and exhibition centre.
After finance and management packages for the venture are settled, construction of the hotel is expected to begin early next year.
It is anticipated it will take 18 months to complete.
Jack Morris, chairman of the Business Design Centre and its private holding company City Industrial, told Caterer last week that it had taken three years to secure planning approval for a hotel next door to the exhibition centre.
An earlier design was refused following a planning appeal. A second design proposal was drawn from scratch and this plan gained approval from Islington Council.
Simon Powell, the building's chief architect, said it was "extremely satisfying to receive the unanimous support of the planning committee, particularly for a distinctly modern building so close to the Grade II-listed former Royal Agricultural Hall (the Business Design Centre) in the heart of one of London's principal conservation areas".
Another architect, Rick Mather, worked on the external design and elevation.
From drawings, the building appears to have a low roof which will not dominate neighbouring structures.
The interior design consultant was Portland Design Associates.
The hotel will be located north of the Business Design Centre, above its car park, and construction will involve a total remodelling of the public forecourt which fronts Upper Street.
The centre also has planning permission for a 40,000sq ft extension for use as showrooms and to provide office space.
Mr Morris intends to find a major operator to run the hotel. The funding package may eventually involve a hotel chain. He envisaged the hotel as a two- or three-star operation which would be driven significantly by business from exhibitions and the permanent showrooms at the centre.
The hotel is expected to attract both foreign tourists and British residents visiting London for a short break.
Islington's lively restaurant scene and antiques shopping area will help the hotel gain business.
