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Dial 999 for room service: hotelier buys fire station
Ruth Bloomfield20.03.09
THE owner of some of the world's most glamorous hotels plans to transform a former fire station in central London into his latest boutique establishment.
It emerged today that André Balazs - former boyfriend of Uma Thurman and recently named one of the 10 most stylish men in America by GQ Magazine - is in talks to convert the Manchester Square fire station in Chiltern Street, Marylebone, into a 33-bedroom hotel. A planning application has been lodged and includes building a five-storey annexe to the station which closed in June 2005.
If the plans are approved at a meeting next month, it will be the first European venture for André Balazs Properties, whose flagship is the Chateau Marmont, a favourite in Hollywood.
The application is the latest in a string of hotel developments in central London stimulated by the 2012 Olympics.
Rosemarie MacQueen, Westminster council's strategic director for built environment, added: "Despite the credit crunch around 1,500 rooms are set to be added to the West End's hotel portfolio."
Reader views (5)
I was lucky enough to live in this Fire Station back in the early 70's. Very fond memories, but a hotel? Chitern Street had a village atmosphere this will be spoiled in the name of desiger hotels and tourism
- Gill Wilson, Vernantes, France
Yes Jason,W1: I feel as you do.
The worst thing ever to happen to St Marylebone; was the amalgamation with Westminster City; it’s been all down-hill for St Marylebone, ever since.
Remember the days of Quintin McGarel Hogg, Baron Hailsham of St Marylebone?
Riding his bike to work long before the Green Party was ever born……..LOL
Now it’s more like the Hags of Westminster; hogging everything they can.
The fire-station should be used for a community centre for the residents of St Marylebone; to us St Marylebone is still alive; even if only in our memories.
St Marylebone would never have sold their cemeteries for 5 pence each; houses included; whilst Westminster Council; like the governments past and present, would sell their own mothers for a £1.
- Mickyinlondon, london
Its not an ideal location for a hotel, how ridiculous.
marylebone sold out to the developers a long time ago and my village is now like any other high street.
Shame.
- Jason, London W1
Will make a change from all the frock and shoe shops selling products for oversized clients.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland
Progress I presume, another charming little street to be globalised.
Still the newsagent is a nice bloke and I hope he does well as a result.
- Frank H., London.
