Shangri-La hit by further delays as it changes contractors

The much anticipated opening of the 202-bedroomShangri-La in the Shard has been delayed once again, possibly until next year.

Originally due to open in May this year, the hotel then announced that it would launch this month, a date which later moved to "this autumn". Now, with the news that construction company, the John Sisk Group has been removed from the project, London's first elevated hotel is to be delayed yet again, according to Construction Enquirer.

The Chorus Group has now been drafted in to complete the job which has proved challenging because of restricted access to the hotel, which will operate between floors 34 and 57 of the 1017ft high building.

Although the hotel confirmed that it had appointed a new contractor after ending its relationship with a previous one, it would not be drawn on a new opening date, only saying: "Shangri-La is fully committed to opening and running its latest European hotel."

The Shangri-La will feature a cake shop, a restaurant serving locally inspired dishes, a lounge with an Asian-focused menu and a destination bar. Its management team is headed by general manager Darren Gearing, who previously worked for Shangri-La for 21 years in Hong Kong, Beijing and Singapore.

Shangri-La at the Shard opening delayed >>

Four food and beverage outlets set for the Shangri-La in the Shard >>