Business Traveller attended this week's topping out ceremony of the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, where London Mayor Boris Johnson bolted the final beam into place.
The structural work is now complete on the largest hotel to be built in London in a decade, with work now concentrating on the furnishing of the 1,000 guest rooms and 2,700 sqm of meeting space.
Addressing attendees at the topping out ceremony Mayor Johnson said: “A sparkling new hotel is just what the South Bank needs. I am sure it will act as a major springboard for the regeneration plans for Waterloo Station and the surrounding area.
"What's more, the huge investment being made today demonstrates great confidence in the future prosperity of our great city."
Park Plaza Hotels president & CEO Boris Ivesha also attended the ceremony and said he was confident in London. “We are passionate about London and are on track to deliver 5,000 beds across the capital, establishing Park Plaza Hotels as one of the city’s most important hotel operators.”
The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel is set to open early next year, while Park Plaza also has plans to open a new art’otel in London's Hoxton area in 2012.
Business Traveller also carried out a hard hat tour of the hotel with general manager Andrew Swindells late last year (see online news December 4).
Report by Sara Turner