Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Group International has bought London landmark, Great Scotland Yard, with plans to create a five-star hotel on the site.
Scotland Yard is the original London Metropolitan Police headquarters at 4 Whitehall Place, which had a rear entrance on a street called Great Scotland Yard. The Scotland Yard entrance became the public entrance to the police station, and over time Scotland Yard has become internationally famous as a symbol of policing.
Several parties have previously been interested in the building. As Hotelier reported last year, Kuwaiti and Qatari sovereign wealth funds were reported to be in talks with Galliard Homes over the possible acquisition of the building.
The hospitality, retail, and property conglomerate signed a £110 million (US $170.7 million) agreement with London developer Galliard Homes for what was one the Scotland Yard Police Station and later the British Army recruitment centre for Westminster.
Lulu Group has picked the Steigenberger Hotel Group to operate the hotel under a bespoke brand, which will be known as The Great Scotland Yard.
The hotel will comprise a mix of rooms, two bars, restaurants, a lobby lounge, meeting areas, and 24/7 concierge service.
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The structure will retain the Edwardian Imperial red brick and stone façade with arched main entrance, and the interior design will complement the building.
The hotel is scheduled to open in Q1 of 2017, with construction on site currently underway.
Commenting on the property, Steigenberger Hotel Group chief executive officer Puneet Chhatwal said: “This iconic five-star hotel will mark the entry of the Steigenberger brand into the vibrant and world-renowned London hotel market. Our vision is to create an outstanding five-star hotel drawing on our reputation for quality and service combined with the outstanding central location, grand architecture and fascinating history of Great Scotland Yard.”
Galliard Homes managing director Don O’Sullivan said: “Galliard Homes is delighted to have reached an agreement with Lulu Group International to create a bespoke five-star hotel in the heart of London's Whitehall. Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts was chosen as the operator because of its reputation for perfect hospitality, quality and outstanding customer service. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel will be a brand synonymous with exceptional service and refined luxury and quality.”
Founded in 1973 with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Lulu Group International has operations across the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Europe in countries including the United Arab Emirates, India, Qatar, Bahrain, UK, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietman, Hong Kong/China, Nigeria and Kenya.
Scotland Yard (Met police HQ) has moved a few times and is now currently located in the Embankment.
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