The historic Great Northern hotel is to be renovated as a 90-bedroom hotel as part of Argent Group PLC’s Kings Cross Central development.
CBRE Hotels has been chosen by King’s Cross Central as advisers and agents for the hotel. They have been instructed to select a developer/operator/tenant on a long leasehold basis. Built in 1855, this is the oldest purpose-built hotel in central London and is located in the new Piazza to be created between King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations.

Renovation works are currently underway to the external and basement level of the hotel which are anticipated to complete in the final quarter of 2009. It is proposed that the operator will be on site by mid to late 2010 in order to undertake the refurbishment and renovation. The Great Northern Hotel is expected to begin trading pre-Olympics in 2012.
Commenting on the development, Chris Rouse, Senior Director at CBRE Hotels said: “With Eurostar connections to Europe, National Express services throughout the UK and the Northern, Victoria, Hammersmith and City, Piccadilly, Metropolitan and Circle underground lines this hotel will be the ‘best connected’ in the UK.”

Roger Madelin of King’s Cross Central added: “The Great Northern Hotel is a fantastic opportunity. With CBRE on board we are confident that we will find an operator who will make the most out of this unique location and complement the other first class occupiers we have signed up at King’s Cross Central. “

King’s Cross Central is a high density development of nearly 8 million ft2. Planning permission has been granted to create up to 2,000 new homes, 20 new streets, ten major public spaces and the restoration of 20 historic buildings and structures. The masterplan has been provided by Allies & Morrison and Porphyrios Associates.
Other architects involved in the design of buildings include Bennetts Associates, David Chipperfield and Wilkinson Eyre.
www.argentkingscross.com