André Balazs to open first Standard in London

American boutique hotelier André Balazs is set to open his newest London hotel in a King's Cross council office block.

André Balazs Properties is understood to be teaming up with Crosstree Real Estate Partners on the project, which will see the launch of the first Standard hotel outside the USA.

The hotel will feature around 250 bedrooms following the conversion of the 150,000 sq ft Camden town hall annexe in London WC1. It will be the sixth Standard property.

The plans are currently subject to consultation, with the transformation of the building from offices to hotel expected to take around two years, according to Estates Gazette.

Balazs's opened celebrity hotspot the Chiltern Firehouse restaurant and hotel in London W1 in February, with former Viajante chef Nuno Mendes at the helm as executive chef.

Nuno Mendes leaves Michelin-starred London restaurant Viajante >>