Belgravia police station to become hotel

A former police station in central London is set to become a hotel and luxury spa.

Belgravia Police Station was vacated in 2022, after a reorganisation of the Metropolitan Police Service.

Plans to build a 206-room hotel across seven floors on the site were already approved by Westminster City Council but now it has given the go ahead for further 49 rooms.

The building's neighbours had opposed the expansion, having questioned the impact it would have on the area's water supply.

A representative of tenants of Fountain Court told the council's planning committee the additional hotel rooms would increase pressures on their already temperamental water supply.

"The existing water infrastructure is already failing the residents of Fountain Court," they said.

"For around the last two years, residents of Fountain Court have experienced serious persistent problems with the Thames Water supply to our kitchens."

"During the day, the pressure is frequently extremely low. Most concerning, every night from 12:00 to 01:00 until 07:00am or 08:00 there is no cold mains water from the kitchen tap."

Councillor Elizabeth Hitchcock, who represents Knightsbridge ward, agreed that the increase in rooms would affect local amenity.

"It is too late to question whether a sizable hotel in this largely residential area will have a negative effect on residents, as there is already a scheme in place.

"But the question is, would an additional 49 rooms on top of the 206 consented rooms tip the balance too far?" she said.

Aendre, the applicant, agreed to set-up a community liaison group to communicate with residents about the development.

A condition was also enforced which will require them to make sure the development will not affect water pressure in the area before development begins.

Alex Barman-Lyons, speaking on the company's behalf, said: "We have engaged with local residents and community stakeholders throughout this process and we will maintain an open and constructive dialogue with the community through construction and operation."

He added: "The site has been vacant since 2022. These proposals will bring it back to active use, creating local jobs, welcoming businesses to Westminster and contributing to the local economy."

There will be no external changes and no increase to the hotel's dimensions, although the plans include a slightly smaller food and beverage amenities and more wellness facilities.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk