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The Methodist Church has announced that it has approved a £1.2m investment package to finance new development initiatives at The Wesley Hotel in London’s Euston.
The church said the investment will ensure the long-lasting sustainability and “mission-driven” impact of the Wesley hospitality business. The church owns and operates the business in two London locations, Camden Town and Euston.
It said that the funds were sourced from the MIC Trust, which consists of the hotel’s profits, and that the money will allow The Wesley to undertake several renovation projects at its Euston site over the next few years such as bedroom upgrades, communal area enhancement and bettering the building’s external facade.
Along with improving guest experiences, the church added the refurbishment will reinforce the hotel’s net zero goals and capability to yield significant monetary returns for its “wider mission”.
The organisation said this news comes after a meeting the previous week in which the trustee body of the Methodist Church, the Connexional Council, indicated that stronger governance frameworks and fresh investment are necessary following 10 years of limited capital improvements.
It added that The Wesley hotel in Camden and its sister-site in Euston play are crucial to raising funds for Methodist work across the Connexion.
James Barr, general manager at The Wesley, said: “The investment allows us to take the next step in The Wesley’s evolution. Over the coming years, we’ll deliver a carefully phased refurbishment programme that enhances our bedrooms and shared spaces while strengthening our environmental commitments.
“It’s about investing in the hotel’s long-term future, ensuring we continue to offer a distinctive, values-led stay in one of London’s most dynamic locations.”
The Revd Sonia Hicks, chair of the Connexional Council, added: “The investment underlines the Methodist Church’s mission and the Wesley Hotels in Euston and Camden Town provide a distinctive model of ethical hospitality, generating profits that directly support the Church’s work
“By approving this investment, the Council is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding these assets and enabling MICL to operate from a position of strength. The improvements at Euston will complement the wider investment strategy for the Wesley portfolio, ensuring that both hotels remain competitive in London’s hospitality market while continuing to embody the Church’s values, including ethical employment practices and environmental responsibility.”
