Marston Properties has launched a public consultation into plans to turn the former India Club and Strand Continental at 143-145 Strand, WC2, into a new hotel.
The landlord wants to “sensitively refurbish” the property, which closed last year and put it back to use as an “accessibly priced” hotel.
The India Club, which operated from the site for more than 70 years, was known for playing an important role in fostering post-colonial relations between India and the UK.
Marston said that 143-145 Strand, which was originally built in 1911, had not been comprehensively refurbished since the 1960s and did meet current safety, accessibility and sustainability standards.
“Our vision is to retain and restore significant heritage features and positively contribute to the area through repair, improvement and activation,” said Marston.
It added: “The new hotel offering will expand and diversify tourism in the area and contribute to the local economy. The proposals will create level access and install a new lift, creating a fully accessible hotel.”
Marston has been trying to redevelop and refurbish the hotel since 2018. Campaigners had applied to Historic England to get the building listed as a historically important landmark to prevent its demolition. The application was eventually turned down and the India Club served its last meal in September last year.
A public consultation on the new plans will take place at 143-145 Strand on Wednesday 14 March, with an online consultation open until 27 March
Send feedback to Samantha McClary
Follow Estates Gazette
