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UK: Camden Council’s planning committee has granted permission and listed building consent for converting the Grade II-listed former bank at 212-214 High Holborn into a 75-key boutique hotel.
The project will be designed by Studio Moren on behalf of ZH London Properties Ltd. It will restore and repurpose the former London and Westminster Bank to contribute to High Holborn’s hospitality offering while targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent.
Dating from the 1850s, the landmark building is known for its Venetian-influenced architecture. The proposals call for a restoration of significant historic features while creating a contemporary hotel within the existing building.
The design will preserve the circular form of the grand banking hall while restoring the former bank manager’s office as a luxury suite. The project will also conserve the building’s architectural features, including stone balustrades and the distinctive fluted metal roof. The restored banking hall will become the social heart of the hotel, accommodating publicly accessible restaurant, bar, lounge and coworking spaces.
“This is a significant milestone for a building that has stood vacant for too long,” said Mehmet Nezir Korkut, director of ZH London Properties Ltd. “Our vision has always been to secure a viable long-term future for this important High Holborn landmark, preserving its heritage while creating a destination that contributes to the vitality of the area. We are delighted to have worked with Studio Moren and the wider project team to develop proposals that respect the building’s historic character, open up its remarkable spaces to the public and demonstrate how heritage-led regeneration can support sustainable growth in central London.”
Studio Moren will also be replacing the existing rear extension with a contemporary nine-storey addition. The extension is designed to complement the listed building, increase capacity while preserving the building’s historical looks.
“We’re delighted that the committee has supported our proposals for this landmark High Holborn building,” said Mark Wood, partner at Studio Moren. “The design balances the careful restoration of significant historic features with contemporary interventions that will create a distinctive boutique hotel, securing a sustainable new future for the building while celebrating its heritage.”
Highlights:
- Camden Council has approved planning permission and listed building consent to convert the Grade II listed former London and Westminster Bank at 212-214 High Holborn into a 75-key boutique hotel.
- Designed by Studio Moren for ZH London Properties Ltd, the project will restore the 1850s building’s historic architectural features while introducing contemporary hotel facilities.
- The restored banking hall will serve as the hotel’s social hub, featuring a publicly accessible restaurant, bar, lounge and co-working spaces. The former bank manager’s office will become a luxury suite.
- The development includes a new nine-storey rear extension to increase hotel capacity while retaining the character of the listed building.
- The project targets EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings, incorporating all-electric heat pump technology, photovoltaic panels, green and blue roofs, sustainable water management, and the retention and reuse of the existing structure.
