Legendre UK Secures Lead Contract for Phoenix House Hotel Conversion in Vauxhall

Legendre UK has been appointed by Whitbread as the principal contractor for the redevelopment of Phoenix House in Vauxhall, London. The ten-storey, 80,000 sq ft former office building will be converted into a 180-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, marking the brand’s first entry into the Vauxhall area.

Located opposite Vauxhall Station and forming part of the St George Wharf riverside development, the project will retain the building’s existing structure while replacing former office floorplates with Premier Inn bedrooms, including rooms from the Premier Plus range. Upgrades to the mezzanine level will also introduce a new guest restaurant and reception area.

The redevelopment is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, reflecting a commitment to high sustainability standards. Upon completion, the project is expected to create approximately 25 permanent hospitality jobs and stimulate local economic activity. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with completion anticipated by the end of 2027.

Sam Murphy, Whitbread’s project and programme manager, described Phoenix House as a fantastic opportunity to bring Premier Inn to the heart of Vauxhall for the first time. Working alongside Lambeth Council, the team has progressed swiftly from securing the site and obtaining planning consent to commencing the transformation of the long-vacant office building. Murphy noted that the project exemplifies how former office spaces can be effectively repurposed into quality hotel accommodation and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Legendre UK on the next phase.

Phoenix House was originally built in the early 2000s and acquired by Lambeth Council in 2004. After serving as council offices until 2019, the building has remained largely unoccupied. Whitbread has secured a 30-year lease to operate the new hotel, while Lambeth Council retains the head lease.

The Phoenix House contract is part of Whitbread’s broader strategy to expand its presence in central London. The company currently operates more than 100 hotels within the M25 and has identified further sites for future development. The deal also adds to Legendre UK’s established track record in London hotel conversions. Earlier this year, the contractor secured planning permission for the transformation of Grove House in Hammersmith into a hotel and is currently working on converting the former Diageo headquarters in Park Royal into a 429-room hotel scheme.

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