Hotel investor Jastar Capital has won a key planning consent in the City of London, paving the way for development of a new luxury riverside hotel.
The approval means transformation can now begin for the landmark Custom House building, for many years government offices. For its reimagined future, the property will be converted to provide a 179 room hotel, with restaurants and bars plus a high quality events venue overlooking the River Thames.
A complex history
Progress comes after a difficult recent history for the site. Previous conversion plans to create a hotel, which were put forward by a different developer and architectural team, were turned down by City planners. The scheme’s backers took the project to a planning appeal, but again the proposals were refused, as a planning inspector agreed with the original decision.
The challenge for the project has been that the main Custom House building is 200 years old, and is listed because of its status as a rare example of Regency architecture. The approved project will modernise parts of the building, while retaining key elements. The design will also open up the riverside of the building, creating a new public space and this was a key positive element when the design was assessed.
“Custom House has a unique and storied history in the City, and we are excited to see it once again become a vibrant part of the riverfront, open for everyone to enjoy,” said Jay Matharu of Jastar Capital. “We are grateful to the City of London Corporation and to all the stakeholders who have worked with us to help shape the future of this historic landmark.”
The company expects to start work on the development in 2026. The heritage-led project will take some time, having taken two years to shift through the design and approval process. The combined efforts involved architect Orms, conservation specialists Richard Griffiths Architects and planning consultants Montagu Evans.
A family owned business, Jastar Capital has been involved in a number of hotel projects across the UK. In London, it has completed several projects including serviced apartment developments, gaining a strong understanding of the challenges of developing in the UK capital.
London’s luxury and lifestyle hotel market continues to shine
The new hotel will launch into a dynamic market in the UK capital, and is likely to be picked up by a major international brand. The city’s luxury segment is about to see the Chancery Rosewood launch, with a hotel created from the former US embassy building. Other landmark projects include the Mandarin Oriental Bankside, due to open in early 2028, along with the Oberoi Mayfair, due to open around the same time. There are also early stage plans to launch an Orient Express hotel in the UK capital.
The lifestyle sector is also seeing more development in London. CitizenM is planning an additional hotel with the conversion of the former Saville Theatre, while Auberge Resorts Collection is nearing completion of its Cambridge House project, preparing to open a 102 room hotel overlooking Green Park.
Source: tophotel.news
