Queensgate Investments and Rockwell have been given the green light by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to redevelop the Kensington Forum into an upscale hotel and serviced apartment scheme alongside 62 affordable homes and substantial public realm improvements.
Designed by architects, SimpsonHaugh, the new scheme will replace the existing 906-room hotel with a high-quality development providing restaurants, bars, health spa and conference facilities. Alongside the hotel will be a new, publicly accessible 2,700 m2 garden square.
Despite the hospitality sector facing unprecedented challenges, this ambitious £1 bn (€1.1 bn) scheme is set to become one of London’s largest hotels, the owners said.
Approving the scheme, deputy mayor, Jules Pipe, commented: ‘There is desperate need for social housing across London… If we are to deliver affordable homes and other benefits for London, we must ensure we make the best use of land.’
