Hotel bid for St James site

PROPOSALS have been lodged aimed at securing hotel space as part of the Capital's £850 million St James redevelopment.

Artist's impression of the St James Quarter. Image; contributed

Allan Murray Architects have submitted a change of use application for 27-31 James Craig Walk.

The plan will seek permission to turn the site into a hotel fronting St James Square.

Bosses at developer TIAA Henderson had originally intended to convert the existing block into housing.

They are now bidding to install a central bank of lifts in place of an existing turnpike stair.

A new roof will also be installed.

In a design statement, the architects said: “The key aspect of the design is the beneficial improvement it brings to the public realm.”