The Grade II War Office Building at London's Whitehall will be turned into a £1 billion five-star hotel, and the people are not pleased with the idea of the developers 'mutilating' the Edwardian edifice. The Hinduja Group and OHL Developments would like another basement, three more floors, 1,100 rooms and a couple of amenities like spa, gym, and restaurants much to the dismay of Londoners.
One resident was interviewed by The Evening Standard and said, "This building is a masterpiece of Edwardian architecture and a monument of significance in British history. Its external features should not be modified. It would be a scandal."
Many citizens appeal to junk the proposal because removing features like the building's balustrade is unacceptable, as it is being considered as one of the most beautiful in London. Moreover, the renovations would also make changes in road routing and therefore would generate traffic. The Corinthia Hotel also clamored because "the street becomes part of a major construction site."
The architects said, however, that the renovation will be once in a generation opportunity as it will reveal halls and secret corridors to the people for the very first time. But since it's a five-star hotel, people clamor that not all can enjoy the features of the hotel.
According to the same report, the conservation body Historic England has not formally objected to the idea of having the War Office Building renovated for such projects. In fact, the Westminster council officers would like to see it approved by next Tuesday and suggested that the developers would donate £10m for housing and £302,000for the carbon offset fund.
Many of London's historical places were given new life as luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel, which was formerly the Art Deco former Port of London Authority headquarters. In 2014, the Ministry of Defence sold the Grade II building for £350m because it would cut cost to the requirements.
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