The Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group and the UK’s Galliard Homes have signed a $170 million agreement to convert the original Scotland Yard police headquarters in London into a 92,000 square foot luxury hotel.
The deal was signed by a Lulu Group subsidiary, Twenty14 Holdings, a newly created hospitality arm focusing on the acquisition and management of assets around the globe.
“We are extremely pleased to have concluded this deal,” said Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings, in a statement. “We have been actively evaluating investment opportunities that both grow our footprint and contribute to the further development of London and our interest in the iconic Great Scotland Yard is a step in that direction.”
The Edwardian-era structure is set to be refurbished at a cost of $77 million and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2017. Construction on site has begun, with the interior fit-out scheduled to start in March next year.
The interiors of the building will feature contemporary designs but the exterior will retain the red brick and stone façade and the arched main entrance, ornate pediment and tall windows with feature brick and stone detailing. As home to the Metropolitan Police Force, the building was the centre of the investigation into famous crimes such as the Jack the Ripper case in the late 1800s.
The hotel will be operated by 250 staff from the Steigenberger Hotel Group. It will be seven storeys high and will provide luxury bedrooms, a library, dining rooms, restaurants, lounge areas, private meeting rooms and a round the clock concierge service. An adjoining Grade 2-listed Victorian townhouse will be incorporated into the hotel as an entertainment suite.
“Galliard Homes is delighted to have reached an agreement with LuLu Group International to create a bespoke 5-star hotel in the heart of London’s Whitehall,” said Don O’Sullivan, managing director of Galliard Homes. “The Great Scotland Yard Hotel will be a brand synonymous with exceptional service and refined luxury and quality.”
The investment is the second of its kind by the LuLu Group managing director Yusuffali MA in London after buying a stake in the East India Company last year.
