The Queens Hotel in Crystal Palace is to be transformed back to its former glory in plans to redevelop it and brand it as a Best Western hotel.
The public are being asked to comment on the scheme and will get the chance to discuss the changes with the architects at open evenings being held on Wednesday October 12 and Tuesday October 18 at All Saints Church.
The proposals, by Assael architects, retain the original Victorian building, re-clad the dated 1970s extension to keep it in style, remove a roof extension as well as the current rear extensions and replace them with new wings. The number of car parking spaces will be doubled, and new landscaping added in addition the retention of the highest quality trees.
The Queens Hotel was opened in 1854 to coincide with the re-opening of the Crystal Palace exhibition centre on Sydenham Hill upon its relocation from Hyde Park.
Early guests at the hotel took advantage of stylish Norwood’s fresh air and tranquil environment, drawing a series of high profile visitors. Royalty, including German Emperors Frederick III and ‘Kaiser’ Wilhelm II used the hotel as a base for their visits to Queen Victoria. Florence Nightingale is said to have stayed at some point, whilst renowned French writer Emile Zola had a long stay at the hotel between October 1898 and June 1899 whilst in exile during the Dreyfus affair.
Katie Cairns from local award-winning architects, Assael, said: “The Queens Hotel is a fantastic part of Upper Norwood’s heritage, and our objective has been to deliver a sensitive design which respects the surrounding area, enhances the character and appearance of the Church Road Upper Norwood Conservation Area and reduces any impact on its neighbours.”