Register to get 1 free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
London’s Bow Street Magistrates’ Court is set to be developed into a luxury hotel after it was purchased by the UK arm of a Qatar-based investment company.
The grade II-listed court – where the trials of Oscar Wilde and the Kray Twins were held – ceased its legal operations in 2006 and was granted planning permission in 2013 to be converted into a 100 bedroom hotel.
The hotel development will now go ahead after Business Trading Company UK purchased the property from previous owners Rudolf and Christian Ploberger, who are believed to have put the site on the market for a price tag in the region of £75m.
It is expected to open in 2019 with the development costs totalling around £125m.
Mehdi Ghalaie, managing director of BTC UK, said the company would work with English Heritage, as well as Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police to maintain the building’s heritage.
He said: “After many years under different owners, our focus is now on delivering a world class boutique hotel that befits the history of this landmark building.”
