Kensington and Chelsea (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Sheraton Park Tower in Kensington and Chelsea has applied for a multi-million-pound revamp, adding eight luxury flats and two-storey podium at ground level.
For the second time in five years, the hotel chain has requested approval from Kensington and Chelsea Council to add two stories to the building’s existing authorization, which only permits them to construct four stories on top of the structure.
The plan calls for tearing away an underground public parking lot to provide room for a sizable pedestal that will encircle the property and serve as the hotel’s entrance.
The podium will have a cozy first-floor terrace with a canopy. In order to make more than 1000 square meters available for shops and a restaurant, Sheraton also intends to demolish the casino on the property.
In an effort to “modernize” the 1970s tower, the hotel’s room count will also be lowered from 271 to 240.
Prior to Kensington and Chelsea Council’s approval of a planning application, this entailed expanding the number of accessible hotel rooms from three to twelve.
According to Sheraton, the renovation, which is expected to cost more than £100 million, will also feature the construction of eight brand-new apartments with three to four bedrooms and views of Hyde Park.
These will be part of the “distinctly different” six stories the business plans to add to the skyscraper, and they will be situated above the hotel.
The hotel’s body is 40 meters high and it currently has 16 levels. The tower’s height will rise by 15 meters if the application is accepted. Along Seville Street, a separate entry for residents is being considered.
The hotel group is contributing £16.5 million to the Kensington and Chelsea Council in order to make up for the shortage of affordable accommodation.
It claimed that because of the building’s circular form, social housing cannot be constructed “to a conventional rectangular floor plan,” and that if smaller residential units were constructed, they would have little to no access to windows.
Recent evaluations point to the need for additional renovations, with visitors praising the antiquated amenities and accommodations. Staff service has been commended for being helpful and attentive in spite of these problems.
Guests may enjoy upscale dining, shopping, and cultural attractions thanks to the hotel’s ideal Knightsbridge location.
In addition to offering luxurious amenities including a fitness center and round-the-clock room service, it is surrounded by famous sites.
Even though its own assessors demanded that Sheraton pay £38.5 million, the council deemed the offer to be “reasonable in this circumstance.” Additionally, Sheraton will contribute £5.8 million to the Community Infrastructure Levy for the council.
The council said:
“The proposed design to the ground and first floor podium is welcomed in providing a unified appearance to the street scene, which adds to the legibility that is currently lacking in the existing situation.
The redeveloped and additional storeys would pick up on the architectural language of the existing building but would be distinctly different in their approach to the building, allowing them to sit in harmony with the existing building while being architecturally distinct.”
A lot of people have written in favor of the plan, suggesting that it is well-liked by the community. They claimed that it would “strengthen” the local businesses and improve the area’s “ugly” building base. Fewer critics claimed that the tower would become “visually overpowering” and “dwarf” the adjacent structures as a result of the extra stories.
Kensington and Chelsea Council said the development would make a positive contribution to the area.
It said:
“Taking into account the benefits of the development proposals, as a whole, alongside statutory duties, national policies and guidance, the proposed development would be acceptable and make a notable contribution to the delivery of homes in the borough.
The adverse impacts of the scheme would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the clear benefits and the scheme is recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.”
Sheraton received approval in 2020 to add four stories to the building’s height, which entailed renovating the 16th and 17th floors and adding a new setback to the 18th floor.
This would have raised the building’s height by an extra five meters. On Thursday, April 3, Kensington and Chelsea Council will hold a planning meeting to discuss the application.
How will the refurbishment impact the hotel’s amenities and services?
Guest rooms and common areas are usually refurbished with new furniture, technology, and design aspects throughout renovations. This improves visitor happiness and loyalty by making the space more welcoming and pleasant.
Improvements to amenities including dining options, exercise centers, restrooms, and recreational areas are frequently a part of renovations. To satisfy visitor expectations, these upgrades can include additional services like high-speed Wi-Fi, rainfall showers, or enlarged menus for restaurants.
The renovation will help The Park Tower Knightsbridge stay competitive in London’s luxury hotel market by modernizing the hotel’s look and operation. In a city with so many five-star hotels, this is essential for drawing in affluent customers.
The hotel can lessen its environmental impact and attract eco-aware visitors by implementing eco-friendly design features and energy-efficient technologies during the renovation.