Planning and Listed Building Consent has been granted for the adaptive reuse of a Grade II* listed building in London into a 30-bedroom independently branded extended-stay hotel.

The scheme, led by Purcell, will transform the underused former office and commercial building while carefully conserving its historic fabric and character.

Located adjacent to Drapers’ Hall, 27–28 Throgmorton Street forms part of The Drapers’ Company estate and dates from 1900, when it opened as a purpose-built mixed-use building with offices above a subterranean Lyon’s restaurant. The restaurant included the notable ‘Long Room’, which runs the length of Throgmorton Avenue and forms part of the site’s layered historic development.

The Drapers’ Company has occupied the wider site since 1543, with the estate evolving through successive phases of rebuilding following fire and wider urban change.

Purcell’s proposals place guest accommodation on the upper floors, while the lower levels provide flexible spaces capable of supporting a variety of commercial uses over time. This approach allows the building to adapt to evolving hospitality models while maintaining the spatial character of the historic interiors.

The scheme also includes a programme of fabric repairs, heritage-led restoration and upgrades to accessibility and building compliance. Together, these interventions aim to secure the long-term conservation of the building while bringing it back into active and sustainable use.

The project aligns with the City of London’s emerging 2040 Plan, which promotes greater diversity of uses across the Square Mile and encourages a more active evening and visitor economy.

“We are delighted to have secured planning and listed building consent for this important building within the Drapers’ estate,” comments David Sumner, Director of Finance at The Drapers’ Company. “Purcell’s thoughtful, heritage-led approach has enabled us to unlock new long-term potential for 28 Throgmorton Street while ensuring its special character is protected for future generations.”

Nicholas de Klerk, Head of Hotels, Purcell, adds: “This project reflects a growing trend towards the adaptive reuse of underperforming commercial office buildings within historic city centres. By combining heritage expertise with specialist hospitality design, we have developed a scheme that both protects the building’s exceptional character and allows it to support a new and sustainable use.”