Lamington Group signs 250-year lease for Shire Hall in Cambridge

UK: Real estate and investment company Lamington Group has signed a 250-year lease for Shire Hall in Cambridge.

Cambridge Apartment Hotels Ltd, a subsidiary of Lamington Group, has exchanged contracts for Shire Hall – the former headquarters of Cambridgeshire County Council. The agreement is expected to complete within the next 18 months. 

Lamington will begin work on its planning application to transform the existing offices into net-zero accommodation. The project will join live properties in London, Belfast, and Southampton. 

In 2024, BNP Paribas relaunched the marketing of Shire Hall following the collapse of a previously agreed sale. The adjoining Octagon building, the former registry office at Castle Lodge, and the Old Police Station, are included in the deal. 

Cambridgeshire County Council relocated its headquarters to the newly built New Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald in 2021. The sale of Shire Hall comes with a commitment to safeguarding the surrounding public spaces, including Castle Mound – a scheduled ancient monument.

Robert Godwin, co-founder and CEO of Lamington Group, said: “We are proud to have acquired the historic Shire Hall site, a landmark of immense significance to the city of Cambridge. Our vision is to sensitively restore and reimagine these iconic buildings, creating a destination that honours the site’s heritage while introducing a new chapter of hospitality, culture, and community, with sustainability and wellbeing at its heart. 

“We look forward to working closely with local stakeholders to ensure the future of Shire Hall reflects the values and character of Cambridge, whilst becoming another example of market-leading sustainable hospitality.”

Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The sale of Old Shire Hall has been a very difficult process, given the impact of first Covid and then world economic instability. It has been sad for the community to see this much-loved building standing empty, so I am pleased that we are now able to announce the next steps for this building. 

“Lamington have a strong record of creating high-quality and sustainable destinations, and we share their optimism that this new hotel will be a major asset for visitors and the community alike,” she added.

Addleshaw Goddard provided legal services to Lamington.

Highlights:

• Lamington Group has signed a 250-year lease for Shire Hall, the former headquarters of Cambridgeshire County Council.

• The deal includes the Octagon, Castle Lodge, and Old Police Station, with completion expected in 18 months.

• Plans include transforming the offices into net-zero hotel accommodation.

• Legal support was provided by Addleshaw Goddard to Lamington Group.