Green light to transform Greenwich Magistrates' Court into hotel

LHG (London Hotel Group) has won planning permission to transform the former Greenwich Magistrates' Court in the capital into a hotel.

Expected to open in 2022, planning permission has been granted to convert and extend the Grade II-listed building as well as two empty school buildings, into a 293-bedroom hotel.

The ground floor of the former court and one of the school buildings will contain a bar, restaurant and café, and the project will also include the creation of a public square. Further facilities will include a gym, pool and conference centres.

The project, designed by Squire & Partners, is described as sympathetic to the buildings' physical and historical contexts, replacing later extensions and alterations with contemporary buildings.

Meher Nawab, chief executive of LHG, said: "We are delighted to have achieved planning consent for this high-quality development that is not only respectful to the local heritage – particularly regarding the Magistrates' Court – but will also bring this brownfield site back into vibrant and viable use."

LHG's portfolio includes the Best Western Plus London Croydon aparthotel, Ibis Styles hotels in Walthamstow and Croydon, the Best Western Plus Wembley hotel, Best Western Queens Crystal Palace hotel and the Best Western Peckham hotel.