The Old War Office, London
The Old War Office, London
We produced a Statement of Significance and a Conservation Plan to inform the extensive redevelopment of the former Old War Office, a Grade II* listed building which subsequently reopened as a new, landmark 120-bed hotel.
Our work helped potential purchasers understand the history, quality and significance of the building before its sale as part of the disposal of Government assets in 2014.
In assessing the building we took into account not only the story of its design and construction, but also its role in national and international history, and its social and cultural significance.
Historic England and Westminster City Council accepted our assessment of the building, providing Hinduja Group Limited and Onex with a sound basis for establishing a new future for the building, which largely retained much of the existing 54,000m² building.
This work included converting the former office building, adding three storeys and extending the basement down to five levels to include a ballroom and deluxe spa facilities. Works will also included the demolition, relocation and reconstruction of the facades of the building's Triangular Courtyard to incorporate new extensions. Restaurants, boutique retail, restaurants, bars, a destination spa and gym, and a 25m pool were also added, with an internal quadrangle courtyard accessed from Horse Guards Avenue.
Client: GVA Grimley (on behalf of Onex Group, Hinduja Group and OHL Desarrollos)
Architects: EPR Architects
WATCH: EPR Architects tell the story of the OWO