The US embassy building in Mayfair in London is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel. The property will be part of the £1 billion restoration of Grosvenor Square.
According to Evening Standard, the proposed luxury hotel will feature 137 rooms, a ballroom for 1,000 guests, and a spa. There will also be high-end shops in the luxury hotel as well as restaurants.
The report said that the owner of the embassy will demolish the building and restore Grosvenor Square. Ambassador Matthew Barzun and the other diplomats will transfer to a new office in Nine Elms next year. Additionally, the real estate project plan will have a public exhibition from April 11 to April 16 at 24 Grosvenor Hill.
"We take our responsibility to the local community very seriously and are committed to undertaking an in-depth and thorough engagement with local residents, businesses, amenity societies, heritage bodies, Westminster City Council and other local stakeholders," said Jerry Holmes, chief development officer for Qatari Diar, the developer of the real estate project.
According to The Royal Parks site, Grosvenor Square is "the setting for the memorial to Franklin Roosevelt." It is home to the Grosvenor Square Gardens, which dates back to the 17th century. It was severely damaged during the World War II in the 1940s, and after the war, it was turned into a public space "for everyone's enjoyment." Among the things that can be seen here are President Roosevelt statue, September 11 Memorial Garden and The Eagle Squadrons Memorial.
Meanwhile, the US embassy building in Grosvenor Square is dubbed "one of the most heavily guarded places in London" especially after the 9/11 attacks in the US. With the restoration plans, the bollards and barriers put up in the property will be demolished to make way for an "open, expansive green space for residents and visitors to enjoy."
