The Qatar-backed BTC UK has announced the purchase of Bow Street Magistrates Court in Covent Garden from Austrian hoteliers, Rudolf and Christian Ploberger.
The London-headquartered holdings and investment firm will convert the Grade II-listed, 90,000 sq ft building into one of the leading luxury boutique hotels in the Capital. The gross development value is over £125m. Bow Street Magistrates Court, built in 1881, is famous worldwide as the home of the Bow Street Runners – London’s first professional police force. In the heart of Covent Garden, directly opposite The Royal Opera House, the rare freehold island site is in an ideal location for business guests and leisure travellers.
Mehdi Ghalaie, Manging Director at BTC UK, commented: “Bow Street Magistrates Court is an iconic part of London’s heritage and we are delighted to be bringing it back into public use. After many years under different owners, our focus is now on delivering a world class boutique hotel that befits the history of this landmark building.
“We will be engaging with English Heritage, Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police in our planning process to maintain the building's illustrious legal heritage and history and to ensure that the traditions and spirit of Bow Street are preserved.
“This acquisition further enhances our expanding hospitality credentials in the UK and reflects our desire to develop businesses that provide unparalleled customer experience.”
BTC UK was founded in 2015, entering the UK market through its acquisition of Soho Coffee Company in 2015, followed by Apostrophe cafés and Euphorium Bakery in 2016.
