Plans to convert a striking Art Deco office block in the heart of central London into a major new hotel have been given the green light by planning officers.
Ibex House, the Grade II-listed building at 42–47 The Minories, will be transformed into a 382-key full-service hotel by developer Dominus in partnership with Cheyne Capital.
Designed by Studio Moren, the project will retain around 90% of the building’s superstructure and all of its substructure, preserving its historic character while reducing embodied carbon.
Plans also include the restoration and reopening of the historic Peacock pub at ground level, bringing a long-standing City landmark back into public use.
The Peacock pub, which was closed around 2017, was described by local punters as a “darts player’s haven” because of its seven dartboards and over 20 teams playing, according to CAMRA.
It was also reputed to have been earmarked for Gestapo HQ had the allies lost the Second World War.
The development also includes a new on-site Hospitality Academy, which will be delivered in partnership with Springboard, aimed at training local people and those facing barriers to employment.
The hotel is set to open in 2028 and will be run by Dominus’ in-house hotel platform.
Preet Ahluwalia, chief executive officer at Dominus, said the scheme would bring a long-vacant building back into productive use while celebrating its Art Deco heritage.
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The developer already has an extensive portfolio, operating The Dixon in Tower Hill, the Hampton by Hilton in Aldgate and Lost Property near St Paul’s Cathedral.
The developer says the proposals will support the City of London Corporation’s ‘Destination City’ growth strategy to attract more businesses, workers and visitors to the Square Mile.
