Luxury hotel planned for landmark office building

A LANDMARK office building in the centre of York has been sold to a hotel group.
Jonathan MaudJonathan Maud
Jonathan Maud

St Leonard’s Place, which was previously the home of York Council, was sold to Ambiance Hotels by developer Rushbond.

The famous grade II listed building near York Minster, which dates back to 1831, will undergo an extensive refurbishment programme to become a flagship hotel with work starting in Spring 2014.

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The hotel, which is being developed in partnership with Harcourt Capital and Hotel Land & Development, will create 80 to 100 new jobs.

Stewart Lewis, director of Ambiance Hotels, said: “This was a unique opportunity to acquire a stunning building at the heart of the city’s major attractions.

“York has a proven pedigree as a visitor destination and we are excited about developing an iconic hotel that creates a new chapter in the special history of St Leonard’s Place.”

Jonathan Maud, managing director of Rushbond, which has owned the building since 2006, added: “St Leonard’s Place is a wonderful crescent that is now set for the start of a new life following the relocation of the council.

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“Ambiance Hotels plan to operate a high quality, luxury hotel that represents further investment into this part of the city, supporting its fabulous array of cultural attractions.”

Susan Ledger, of law firm Eversheds ,and Jon Patrick, of Christie & Co, advised the vendors. Andrew Brook of Abbey Solicitors and Duncan Melville from Southstray Properties advised the purchaser.

Planning permission for an 88-bedroom hotel over five floors was received last August and since then Rushbond has been in talks with a number of potential operators.

The council has moved into new headquarters at West Offices on Station Rise.

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Coun James Alexander, leader of York Council, said: “I’m pleased to hear that not only will this iconic building be refurbished in a fitting manner, adding to York’s offer as a visitor destination, but this news represents an investment into the city of £20m and brings with it a further 80 to 100 jobs.

“It is good to see such private sector investment following the significant public sector investment in the built environment of York.”