Construction work is well underway on the new Peter May stand at the Kia Oval cricket ground in London. The project, which will see the addition of 1300 seats increasing the ground's capacity to 25,300, is due for completion by May 2016.

As well as the seating capacity, the space beneath the Peter May stand will create a large concourse for the Kia Oval with new bars and catering facilities. The new stand will be capped off with a covered roof terrace and a newly created roof garden.

Kia Oval already has a wide range of conference and banqueting suites, most with natural daylight, pitch views, outside access, air-conditioning and complimentary wi-fi. 40 executive boxes are available for small meetings and training events. 650 delegates can be accommodated for larger events and banqueting.

Kia Oval is within easy walking distance of Oval and Vauxhall tube stations in London.

Details: www.events.kiaoval.com


The Grade II-listed former headquarters and congress centre for the Baptist Church in Holborn, London is currently being converted into a new five star luxury hotel. L’Oscar hotel is expected to open in September 2016 with 41 suites.

The project involves the refurbishment of the five-storey building in Southampton Row, a vertical extension to provide an additional two floors and the renovation of the original chapel into a multi-purpose space for conferences and events.

As well as the suites, L’Oscar hotel will also include a restaurant, banqueting suite and library.

The Edwardian Baroque building fell into disuse in the early 1990s and had been on English Heritage's At Risk register. The heritage fabric of the interiors, the Regency-style moulded plaster ceilings and marble fireplaces will all been retained and enhanced during the refurbishment.

Staycity open their second aparthotel in Birmingham - Staycity Aparthotel Newhall Square - in the city's Jewellery Quarter on 1st March 2016.

All apartments are fully furnished with the latest entertainment technology. They feature a fully-equipped kitchenette and dining area.

There is a selection of studio apartments accommodating two guests; one-bedroom apartments accommodating up to four guests and two-bedroom apartments for up to six guests.

Apartments are available for a one night stay to a long-stay residence.

Staycity Aparthotel Newhall Square is located in Charlotte Street, a five minute walk from Birmingham city centre, Birmingham New Street Station as well as Birmingham's ICC and the Barclaycard Arena. The aparthotel has its own secure car park with pre-bookable spaces.

Staycity Aparthotel Newhall Square joins Staycity Aparthotel Arcadian Centre, also a five minute walk to the centre of Birmingham but from the southside.

Details: www.staycity.com


Grantley Hall, a Grade II-listed mansion near Ripon in North Yorkshire, is to be transformed by new owners into a country house hotel and spa.

Grantley Hall is set in 30 acres of wooded parkland and grounds alongside the River Skell. It dates back to the 17th century when it was built as a private residence. Since then Grantley Hall has been a convalescent home and latterly an adult education residential college.

Plans have now been submitted to Harrogate Borough Council for alterations and extensions to the main hall.  The project will create a 52-bedroom, five-star hotel with three restaurants and a spa development with a pool, treatment rooms and a gym.

If approval is secured, a link from the spa to the hall will also be constructed. Externally, a 1910 Japanese garden will also be restored.


The Stanneylands Hotel in Wilmslow, Cheshire has been acquired by Mere Golf Resort and Spa.

Stanneylands Hotel, which had been in administration, will now undergo a refurbishment of its bedrooms and public areas before being relaunched as a boutique country house hotel.

Both Mere Golf Resort & Spa and Stanneylands Hotel are located within three miles of Manchester Airport.

Stanneylands Hotel has 55 bedrooms, a two AA-rosette restaurant and three conference and banqueting spaces with the largest room seating up to 120 delegates.

Both hotels are ideally located to service the new Airport City Manchester project which is currently under construction at Manchester International Airport.

Details:   www.stanneylands.co.uk