Future of Chester's landmark Grosvenor hotel 'secured'

Chester's landmark Grosvenor hotel has had its long-term future secured with the appointment of a new operator, the owners said.

Current operator Bespoke Hotels announced earlier this year that the five-star establishment would be closing on 30 September.

Now Grosvenor, which owns the freehold of the Grade II listed property, has announced that the Martin Property Group would be taking over as operators and would be overseeing a "major refurbishment".

Nicholas Dobbs from Grosvenor said: "Our ambition is to reopen as The Chester Grosvenor, creating new employment, strengthening Chester's tourism and hospitality economy and delivering long-term value for the city."

When Bespoke Hotels announced the closure date of 30 September back in March, it is understood to have informed staff that RAAC concrete (reinforced autoclave aerated concrete) had been discovered in some of its conference rooms, posing a potential safety risk.

The hotel has been operating for more than 150 years, and for many years housed a Michelin-starred restaurant and counts Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood among its former staff.

The Grade II listed property will undergo its first extensive refurbishment in more than 40 years after it closes at the end of the month and, subject to planning consent, this would take about two years, Grosvenor said.

A Grosvenor spokesperson said the family-owned Martin Property Group had a track-record for operating luxury hotels and acquired the freehold of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, now Eastgate Square Chester.

They said it had also been involved in bringing Harrods to the city with the opening of its H beauty store in part of the former Browns of Chester building.

A Grosvenor spokesperson said that, while final plans were still being developed, the scheme would "bring together sensitive conservation and contemporary design".

Dobbs, head of Grosvenor's family office and Grosvenor Rural Estates, which will retain the freehold of the hotel site, said: "Grosvenor has deep roots in Chester and a long-term commitment to its success."

Paul G. Martin, managing director of Martin Property Group, said: "This partnership reflects our confidence in Chester and our long-term commitment to the city."

He said they understood the responsibility that came with being the long-term custodian of a building of this importance and looked forward to "ensuring the Chester Grosvenor remains one of the city's great landmarks for generations to come".

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