Blue Orchid granted planning permission to convert former TfL HQ into luxury hotel

Blue Orchid Hotels has been given the official go ahead to transform the former headquarters of Transport for London (TfL) into a luxury hotel.

Blue Orchid, which is part of the Integrity International Group, had presented a heritage-led proposal to restore and change the use of the Grade-I listed 55 Broadway Complex, above London's St James' Park station. The complex includes 55 Broadway, 100 Petty France and Wing Over Station.

Tony Matharu, founder and chairman of both Blue Orchid and Integrity International and co-founder of Grange Hotels Group, said: "I am delighted that we are able to move forward with our well-prepared plans for this unique location. Having worked closely with TfL and a number of other stakeholders, I feel we have a shared vision for the future of this complex. As guardian of the heritage and historical value throughout the buildings I feel privileged to be leading this exciting project."

He went on to say that it would be rewarding to "breathe new life into the space, create new value and to welcome everyone to enjoy this special property".

55 Broadway was designed by the renowned architect Charles Holden, and built in 1929 in an art-deco, early-modernist style as the headquarters of the Underground Electric Railways of London Ltd, which was subsequently taken into public ownership and became London Transport in 1933.

As part of the planning application, Integrity International Group worked closely with officers and Historic England to develop proposals which seek to "celebrate the building's rich history" by sensitively restoring its unique features and opening up this iconic landmark for the first time.

TfL sold the property last summer and in December plans to transform it into a 526-bedroom hotel were revealed.