Historic Police Station Set to Transform into 206-Room Hotel Amidst Residents’ Concerns Over Water Supply

A former police station in Belgravia is set to transform into a hotel with an increased number of rooms following the approval of a revised planning scheme. The Belgravia Police Station was vacated in 2022 due to a restructuring within the Metropolitan Police Service. Last year, Westminster City Council sanctioned plans for a 206-room hotel spanning seven floors on the site. However, the newly approved plans have seen the capacity rise, with an additional 49 rooms incorporated into the proposal.

Despite the increase in room numbers, there will be no modifications to the hotel’s external appearance or its overall dimensions. The updated plans do, however, include a reduction in the size of the food and beverage facilities, alongside an expansion of wellness amenities.

Concerns Over Water Supply

Lorna McMahon, a representative for the tenants of Fountain Court, voiced her concerns at a recent committee meeting, highlighting that the additional hotel rooms could exacerbate existing pressures on their unreliable water supply. “The existing water infrastructure is already failing the residents of Fountain Court. For around the last two years, residents have experienced serious persistent problems with the Thames Water supply to our kitchens,” she explained to the Sub-Committee. “During the day, the water pressure is frequently extremely low. Most concerning is the fact that every night from 12am to 1am until 7am or 8am, there is no cold mains water from the kitchen tap.”

Councillor Elizabeth Hitchcock, representing the Knightsbridge ward, echoed these concerns, emphasising that while the initial scheme for a large hotel in this predominantly residential area is already in place, the addition of 49 rooms raises important questions regarding the impact on local amenities. “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 remarked.

Community Engagement and Development Conditions

Aendre, the applicant behind the project, has committed to establishing a community liaison group to facilitate communication with local residents regarding the development. Additionally, a condition has been imposed requiring the applicant to ensure that the project does not adversely impact water pressure in the area prior to the commencement of construction.

Alex Barman-Lyons, representing the applicant, stated, “We have engaged with local residents and community stakeholders throughout this process, and we will maintain an open and constructive dialogue with the community during both the construction and operational phases.” He further noted, “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.”

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