The green light has finally been given for a new hotel in the heart of London’s West End after council planners forced revisions to be made to the ambitious scheme.
A new 476 room three-star Accor Ibis looks certain to open in time for the London Olympics within the Trocadero centre at Piccadilly Circus after gaining approval from Westminster Planning Committee last night (8 May).
Last year, planning permission was refused over concerns about the hotel’s bulk and height, with one councillor quoted as describing a proposed glass facade lit by different coloured lights as “hideous”.
As a result of discussions between the council and developers the 9th floor bedrooms have been removed and the lift core will now end on the 8th floor and be concealed within the body of the hotel.
Under the redevelopment plans, the upper floors of the Trocadero will feature eight residential apartments and a community arts space.
There will also be £2m worth of improvements to roads and pavements surrounding the building, including a donation of £500,000 towards Westminster Council’s Leicester Square regeneration programme.
Michael Hughes, spokesman for London Trocadero, said: “This hotel revitalises a significant amount of empty space inside the Trocadero. The London Trocadero will now become a safer, smarter and stylish family destination.”
Trocadero owners bow to council pressure to change hotel design >>
Planning permission for multi-million pound hotel in London Trocadero rejected >>
£145m Trocadero redevelopment plans submitted to council >>
Accor to go into Trocadero >>
By Chris Druce
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