£1 bn Hotel plans to transform former US Embassy

Qatari Diar – developers have been granted permission to build and convert the old US Embassy Building (The Embassy since 1960) into a 137 bedroom hotel, spa and ballroom for 900 guests. The iconic gilded aluminium eagle on the roof will stay and other famous and iconic features will be saved in the development.

The developers need to gain approval to fund the removal of security fences, huts and bollards as part of the reconstruction project so that original access before these were put there will be in line. Over the years as an Embassy there were occasional demonstrations and disruptions held outside there.

Currently in nine Elms Battersea, Wandsworth a new US Embassy is being built which should be ready in 2017.

Councillor Robert Davis MBE DL Westminster Council said, the development “marks the start of a new era in Grosvenor Square’s rich history.  Everyone recognises the American Embassy building and this will be an iconic hotel”. He stressed the forthcoming “vibrant atmosphere” that will be created when the hotel is completed and benefit to the local economy.

Statues of President Eisenhower and President Reagan will be relocated as part of the exciting development plans.