Qatari Diar to build legacy hotel at former site of US Embassy in London’s Mayfair neighbourhood

LONDON: Globally renowned developer, Qatari Diar Europe LLP has broken ground at 30 Grosvenor Square – the former site of the historic US Embassy – as it commences construction on London’s second Rosewood hotel in the heart of Mayfair.

The world-class hotel will comprise 137 guest rooms, five restaurants, six flagship retail units, a spa and a ballroom with space for 1,000 guests, at the prestigious and historic location. Prominent British architect, Sir David Chipperfield, will breathe new life into the Grade II listed building whilst retaining the unique external façade to reimagine the spirit of its original pioneering architect Eero Saarinen.

The new design will delicately showcase the mid-20th century heritage of the building, combining traditional and contemporary craftsmanship through exquisite and refined interiors.

Abdullah Al Attiyah, CEO at Qatari Diar, said: “Today, as we break ground at 30 Grosvenor Square, marks a momentous occasion for Qatari Diar. The opportunity to transform such an iconic address is something that only happens once in a lifetime and we are extremely proud to be responsible for it. We recognise the history of the building and are dedicated to sensitively redeveloping the former US Embassy into a new destination on Grosvenor Square.”

Committed to delivering developments in keeping with their esteemed neighbourhoods, Qatari Diar will work alongside the Grosvenor Estate to improve the public realm surrounding the new Rosewood hotel. In doing so the development will enhance the historical expansive green space of Grosvenor Square.

Radha Arora, President at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts comments: “Today marks a new milestone in our London journey as we work with Qatari Diar to deliver our second hotel in this vibrant city and further expand our regional presence in Europe. By re-imagining the site of the former US Embassy, a Grade II listed building, we hope to provide a coveted experience within the prestigious neighbourhood of Mayfair that truly embodies Rosewood’s Sense of Place philosophy.”

“We are excited to open up this historic part of Grosvenor Square once again, for guests and the public to enjoy, creating a welcoming environment that reflects both the historic nature of the building yet also bringing a fresh sensibility to this significant area.”

The ground-breaking at 30 Grosvenor Square follows the relocation of the US Embassy to their new home in Nine Elms earlier this year. Anticipated construction completion date of the asset valued at approximately £1bn has been set for 2023.

Qatari Diar is a global leader in sustainable real estate, building landmark projects of unrivalled scope and vision. Qatari Diar’s European operation is based in London, and boasts several key local projects, including a landmark residential development at the 12 acre Chelsea Barracks site in Belgravia; Southbank Place, a mixed-use joint venture between Qatari Diar and Canary Wharf Group situated in a prime central London location on the south bank of the River Thames.

Qatari Diar seeks to harness the world’s greatest architectural and design talent in order to create sustainable communities that will stand the test of time.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages 24 one-of-a-kind luxury properties in 15 countries, with 16 new hotels under development. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Beijing.