The Corporation’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has unanimously approved planning permission to expand and refurbish the Montcalm Hotel, at the historic Whitbread Brewery, on Chiswell Street.
Marking the first decision of the Committee since yesterday’s election of its new Chairman, Tom Sleigh, the refurbishment will provide a new and improved bar, an independent restaurant, lounge and events space on the ground floor, all with step free access and for the public and guests to use, as well as an uplift of eight bedrooms, from 213 to 221.
Local residents, workers and visitors will also see a revitalisation of the old shopfronts along Chiswell Street, including the Chiswell Street Dining Rooms, which will be renamed to St Paul’s Tavern, as it was formerly known.
Located within the local Brewery Conservation Area, and adjacent to both the Chiswell Street and the Barbican & Golden Lane Estates Conservation Area, the upgrade to the Montcalm will preserve its status as a leading heritage hotel within the Square Mile. The finished works will reveal historic features, such as vaulted ceilings, iron pillars and skylights which had been covered in previous refurbs.
New additions to the building will include urban greening to the roof extensions, as part of improvements to its sustainability rating, as well as public realm changes to the site, to provide a stronger connection between the public facing areas of the Hotel and Chiswell Street.
Coupled with the enhanced visitor experience and its location within walking distance of the Barbican and future London Museum, the Montcalm Hotel will serve as a prime example of the City Corporation’s ‘Destination City’ growth strategy in action.
City Planning Officers noted the design proposals as ‘architecturally refreshing’ and in a style which celebrated the building’s industrial past, but that also incorporated the new additions with an authenticity and spirit of their own, all achieved whilst respecting the immediate and neighbouring conservation areas.
The refurbishments to the Montcalm hotel will be completed and open to the public in early 2028.
Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the Corporation, Tom Sleigh, said:
“Delivering more, high quality hotel rooms is a vital component of the Destination City Growth Strategy. That we have been able to do this whilst enhancing Montcalm in a way that celebrates its heritage is a fantastic achievement and emblematic of the City Plan.
“Hotels across the Square Mile currently enjoy a healthy occupancy rate of around 80% and as rising tourism and business visitor numbers increase demand for this type of accommodation, I’m pleased that the Committee is able to respond so effectively.”
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