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St Albans City and District Council has announced plans to transform the historic Batchwood Hall in St Albans to a restaurant, bar and hotel.
The Hall, surrounded by woodland and the Batchwood golf course, will also become a venue for weddings and other celebrations.
The council has agreed a long-term lease with hospitality firm The Oakman Group for its redevelopment.
The company will make a multi-million pound investment into refurbishing the building which has lain empty since the pandemic.
Work to restore the Hall is scheduled to begin next year after the necessary planning permissions have been granted with the venue likely to open for business in 2025.
The Oakman Group already has a presence in St Albans as owners of The Beech House bar and restaurant which opened in the City Centre in 2014.
Oakman was chosen as the preferred operator after an intensive and open selection process last year. The council has since been negotiating the terms and conditions of a 35-year-long lease.
During the process, council officers visited one of Oakman’s premises, The Woburn, a pub, restaurant and 48-room hotel in Woburn, Beds. The venue, leased from the Bedford Estates, was put forward as an example of the company’s work.
Suzanne Jones, the council’s strategic director for Customer, Business and Corporate Support, said: “We are very excited that this magnificent building is being brought back into use to become a St Albans landmark once again. The plans to create luxury hotel rooms alongside a high-quality restaurant and bar will help establish the Hall as a top destination and attract people looking for a staycation.
She added: “We have worked hard to find an outstanding partner in Oakman who shares our vision for this project. We have consulted with the nearby Gorhambury Estate and our leisure contractors Everyone Active who run the adjacent Batchwood golf and sports centre.We will now ensure residents are kept informed about progress as we want to take the local community with us as the restoration plans proceed.As well as reviving the Hall, the lease will also bring us much-needed revenue in the years ahead.”
Peter Borg-Neal, chief executive of the Oakman Inns, said: “Oakman Inns are delighted to have been chosen to develop this wonderful building. We look forward to creating a great space for the people of St. Albans to come together to enjoy our hospitality in an outstanding setting.”
