Works have begun on a £16 million revamp of the historic Queens Hotel, Leeds.
The hotel is housed within Art Deco, Grade II listed building on City Square, and is currently owned by Q Hotels Group. The property opened in 1937, and previous owners have included British Transport Hotels and the Forte Group.
The project will see all of the hotel’s guest rooms refurbished, as well as 15 new rooms and a Presidential Suite being added, bringing the total room count to 232.
Meeting rooms and the 500-capacity Queens Ballroom will also get a makeover and the property’s ground floor is to be reconfigured to create a social hub and “boutique and personal check-in area”.
The hotel’s food and beverage offering will also be “completely transformed”, with features including a wine bar, outdoor terrace, “extensive coffee space” and a central restaurant.
Q Hotels Group is working with Upperworth Studios and Iliard Design on the revamp, with the renovations aiming to “retain and enhance as many of the building’s historical art deco features”.
This will include a full restoration of the hotel reception’s barrel-vaulted ceiling and original timber floors, and the property’s “iconic listed red passenger lifts will be lovingly renovated and brought into the 21st century with modernised functionality”.
The hotel is scheduled to reopen in March, with the refurbishment works set to be unveiled this summer.
Q Hotels Group has a portfolio of 21 hotels across the UK, including Slaley Hall in Northumberland, Telford Hotel and Golf Resort, and Stratford Manor.
Several of the group’s properties are marketed under the Doubletree by Hilton, Delta by Marriott and Accor’s Mercure brands.
Commenting on the news Richard Moore, group chief executive of Q Hotels Group, said:
“It’s a real pleasure to be part of such an exciting project for the group and the city of Leeds. The Queens Hotel, Leeds, is a special place, with fond memories for many who have visited or stayed at the hotel whether for business or pleasure.
“It therefore provides a wonderful contrast of positivity for everyone at such challenging times. We’re very fortunate to have supportive shareholders who, despite the current economic conditions, remain passionate and continue to share our vision for the hotel. We are excited about the project ahead of us and can’t wait to share the next chapter of our exciting journey”.
