30 Grosvenor Square, London City of Westminster

The Challenge

Sensitively adapting the former Embassy building (listed Grade II) into a new viable use which would open up the former closed site to the public and improve this side of Grosvenor Square. Aside from the heritage constraints, the former Embassy building’s security features and arrangements made for a fortress-like site within this Mayfair neighbourhood.

The Solution

Working with David Chipperfield Architects, we led discussions with Westminster City Council, the
Greater London Authority, Historic England and other key stakeholders to bring forward a planning application for Qatari Diar.

The scheme, which sees conversion and adaptation of the existing building retains the historically sensitive elements of the façade and the iconic Eagle, while demolishing non-sensitive elements and almost doubling the floorspace of the existing building, providing step-free/level access and enhancing the character and function of retail in Mayfair.

The Results

Since the grant of planning permission, we have continued to advise the client on bringing forward this development which would be managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. On completion, this new luxury Mayfair hotel will offer 137 rooms, as well as gourmet restaurants, a grand ballroom, a signature spa, and six flagship retail spaces.

A key benefit of the scheme is the opening up of this side of Grosvenor Square, removing unsightly security blight, and finally enabling public access into this grand historic building.