Claridge’s hotel in London given permission to build UK’s ‘biggest basement’

Posted in News on 8 December, 2016

Claridge’s hotel, a five-star property in Mayfair, London, has been granted planning permission to build what is believed to be Britain’s ‘biggest basement’, the Evening Standard reports.

The 20,000 sq ft development of the a five-storey basement will include a swimming pool, spa, sauna, wine cellar, bakery, and an in-house chocolatier. An additional two storeys will also be created on the roof of the Grade II listed building, providing a further 40 bedrooms.

Despite Westminster City Council’s recent clampdowns on so-called ‘super basements’, the plans were approved by the council.

Robert Davis, deputy leader and cabinet member for the built environment, told the Evening Standard: “Additional basements on an already major refurbishment of the historic Claridge’s hotel in a commercial part of the city was regarded as proportional given the enhancement to this world-famous, world-class hotel.

“In particular, the extended basement will provide a new spa which will ensure Claridge’s remains a sophisticated, modern five-star hotel that can compete with global competition.”

A statement from the hotel read: “Claridge’s is excited about our future development plans to put into place state of the art, sustainable technology and systems which will further enhance services for our guests, staff and neighbours, taking this iconic Mayfair hotel’s vision into the next century.”