Whitbread fast-tracks Vauxhall office conversion

Core Insights - Whitbread has commenced construction to convert Phoenix House in Vauxhall, London into a 180-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, following an agreement on a lease just eight months prior [1][3] - The site was acquired as part of Whitbread's London expansion program for Premier Inn, with a 30-year lease agreement signed with Lambeth Council [2][4] Group 1 - The conversion involves leasing a 10-storey, 7,469 sqm former office building from Lambeth Council, with planning permission secured 20 weeks after the lease agreement [2] - Construction work has begun with the aim to open the hotel in early 2028, and strip-out works are expected to be completed by Easter 2026 [3][5] - Whitbread is actively seeking similar opportunities for expansion across London, emphasizing the benefits of converting vacant office buildings into hotels [5] Group 2 - Jonathan Langdon, senior acquisition manager for Whitbread, highlighted the successful partnership with Lambeth Council that facilitated the rapid acquisition and planning process [4] - The location is strategically positioned opposite Vauxhall underground station, which is expected to attract customers [5] - The project aligns with Whitbread's goal of sustainable development by repurposing a former office building [5][7]