Plans have been published to restore and convert the upper floors of a former department store in Leicester into a 92-bedroom aparthotel. 

The Grade II-listed property housed the Fenwick department store, which closed in March after trading in the centre of Leicester for more than fifty years.

The building itself dates back to the 1880’s.

The aparthotel would include studio, one and two bedroom suites.

The development would also feature a rooftop bar together with a semi-enclosed courtyard and greenhouse/winter garden - all formed from a single storey extension.

Retail outlets are planned at street level.

The project developers have reportedly been considering a contemporary development, similar to the stylish Hotel Gotham which opened in central Manchester in 2015.

The proposed site is in Market Street in the centre of Leicester, at the junction with Belvoir Street.

A planning application is currently under consideration.


Mandarin Oriental group is to manage a new hotel in London. 

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will be located on Hanover Square in Mayfair and is expected to open in 2021.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will have just 50 guestrooms and suites and will be a sister hotel to the group’s landmark London hotel on Hyde Park, which itself is undergoing a major renovation.

Alongside the 50 guestrooms, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will also have 80 new apartments.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is set to feature a fine-dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, a bar, a roof terrace with bar, spa and pool.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will be located between Bond Street and Regent Street - in a prime location for the new Bond Street Crossrail station which is also expected to open in 2018.

Details: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/media/press-releases/developments-mayfair-london.aspx


Plans to convert a former Piccadilly private members’ club in central London into a luxury hotel have been approved by Westminster Council. 

The 18thcentury building opposite Green Park was home to the Naval and Military Club, better known as the ‘In & Out Club’from 1865 to 1999.

The Club and several adjacent buildings are set to be restored and converted into a five-star hotel with 102 bedrooms and up to seven residential apartments.

The new hotel will also feature a restaurant and a wine bar plus meeting rooms.  A planned basement-level spa will include a gym, swimming pool and spa facilities.

The hotel is also expected to feature a 2,360 sq-ft grand ballroom.

Details: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/former-private-members-club-to-become-one-of-londons-grandest-hotels-under-new-plans-from-a3719526.html


DoubleTree by Hilton, Lincoln has just completed a £6 million investment. The hotel can now accommodate up to 400 attendees for a conference or event which makes DoubleTree by Hilton, Lincoln the largest events space in the city. 

The main Cathedral Suite on the fifth floor will seat up to 400 delegates theatre style. On the same floor there is also an alfresco terrace plus a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse.

There are five flexible meeting rooms on the floor below with the largest formation seating up to 211 delegates theatre style.

The fourth floor also features an alfresco terrace with views over Lincoln Castle and Cathedral.

DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln has also added 45 contemporary guestrooms and suites bringing the total number of rooms and suites to 160 – all stylishly furnished and with complimentary wi-fi and access to a residents’ fitness centre.

DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln opened in 2011 on the former site of the City of Lincoln Electricity Works. It is located at the heart of city of Lincoln less than one mile from Lincoln Central station with direct services to London and East Midlands Airport.

Details: http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-lincoln-HUYLNDI/index.html


Plans to build a new 140-bedroom hotel on the banks of the River Foss in York look set for approval. 

The hotel, to be named Piccadilly Riverside, is one component in an overall scheme which also includes private apartments.

The site is currently a car park with a retail unit fronting Piccadilly in York.

A final decision is expected from City of York planning committee in December.