Friday, 17th February 2017 was an iconic moment for London's West End. It marked the basement 'bottoming out' of Edwardian Hotels London's ambitious new development in Leicester Square. Reaching 30 metres below ground level it is the deepest hotel basement in London – deeper than most London underground stations and probably one of the deepest commercial establishments in the UK. The basement ranks among the deepest habitable foundations in the world. Around 52% of the property will be located below the ground in order to maximise value.
At a ceremony brimming with optimism the project's engineers and hotel executives reiterated Mayor Sadiq Khan's message that London is thriving, successful and is open for business despite the current economic and political challenges. The new project is costing the owners in excess of £300 million – money made in London and invested back into London - as described by Iype Abraham, Commercial Development Director, Edwardian Hotels London.
Speaking on the occasion Robert Davis, Westminster City Councillor, said, “This new development is a significant contribution and investment to the London's West End by the Edwardian Hotels and is a symbol of their continued confidence in the city of Westminster and London. This development is a welcome addition to Leicester Square which is the gateway to theatre land and the spiritual home of British cinema and entertainment.”
The £300m investment from Edwardian Hotels London, will open its doors in 2019 and will have a huge impact on this area of London, affirming the hospitality group as a key player within the capital for decades to come.
This milestone project which is set to transform the landscape of the local area including entertainment, hospitality, job creation (approx. 400) and wealth generation, has been undertaken in partnership with project engineers Arup, and project developers, McGee.
A brainchild of visionary hotelier Jasminder Singh, Chairman, Edwardian Hotels, London, the Leicester Square project when completed will include a spa, function spaces, bars and restaurants, two Odeon cinemas, a banqueting suite and leisure facilities in the six levels below ground. The venue will have the capability to host film premieres and major events. The Leicester Square Hotel will feature eight storeys above ground and consist of 350 high quality rooms and suites.
Calling the property an 'iceberg' hotel, Iype Abraham said: “At Edwardian Hotels London we have a great heritage of improving existing properties and we have always wanted to develop our own site.
“This is an exciting hotel development in a cultural and entertainment hub of the capital.
“It is our aim to continue to invest in Leicester Square, and the surrounding West End area, attracting both Londoners and tourists alike to the area.”
Rob Steul, Creative Director at Edwardian Hotels London, commented:
“The look and feel of the hotel is an important factor in attracting people. The modern four-sided island site will ensure accessibility for the public to the various bars, cinemas and the hotel itself. As we continue to offer stand-out experiences for guests, the entertainment and leisure facilities at the site are also crucial in creating a unique atmosphere. We want to offer a destination, so that when people come to visit this property, they find everything they need here.”
World renowned engineering and design firm, Arup, has led and delivered all engineering services for the hotel design. Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. Speaking at the ceremony Neil Hooton, Associate Director at Arup, said: “Building such an ambitious project in a highly-populated and iconic area is an exciting challenge. The structure of the building makes smart use of the space and allows for a huge variety of facilities to feature right in the heart of London. Reaching the bottom of this landmark basement excavation is a key milestone, and we look forward to now laying the building foundations and beginning the build back up to ground and beyond.”
Working on behalf of Edwardian Hotels London, McGee, a 50-year-old engineering firm, was appointed to deliver the demolition of the existing Leicester Square ‘island site’.
According to Brian McGee, Managing Director at McGee:
“This project stands out not only due to the sheer scale of operating above and below ground, but also because of the ambition to include such a variety of facilities.”
Edwardian Hotels London
Edwardian Hotels London is a privately-owned hotel group, which has been owning, operating, and developing an upscale and luxury hotel and hospitality portfolio since Jasminder Singh OBE began his career within the hospitality industry in 1977 – forming the beginnings of what would become Edwardian Hotels London. Today, Edwardian Hotels London owns and operates eleven Radisson Blu Edwardian London hotels in London and central Manchester, The May Fair Hotel and a collection of restaurants and bar brands including the May Fair Kitchen, Monmouth Kitchen and May Fair Bar. The Leicester Square project will be the group’s 13th property.
