UK: Queensgate Investments and Rockwell have been given permission to redevelop the Kensington Forum, which will become a £1 billion hotel and serviced apartments complex.
Designs will be led by architects SimpsonHaugh and will also include 62 affordable homes and substantial public improvements.
London mayor Sadiq Khan initially backed plans for the redevelopment of the 906-room Holiday Inn Kensington forum last year. The mayor’s approval was contingent on the addition of more affordable housing.
After approving the scheme, deputy mayor Jules Pipe told said: “If we are to deliver affordable homes and other benefits for London, we must ensure we make the best use of land. As well as improvements to the architectural quality, when compared to the existing building, the development includes a number of other significant benefits such as the addition of much-need affordable housing, a reconfigured public garden square, additional jobs, improved visitor accommodation and public realm improvements.”
This new development will include a variety of amenities including bars, restaurants, conference facilities and a 2,700 square metre garden square, double the size of the existing green space. The project includes £3 million worth of public realm improvements to the area around Gloucester Road station.
Jason Kow, Queensgate Investments CEO and founder, said: “Kensington Forum is an extraordinary scheme of exceptional quality, which will benefit both London and Londoners. The benefits of this redevelopment are substantial, and the new world-class hotel will establish a new benchmark for visitor accommodation in the capital that will doubtless become a landmark for the city.”
