Over 50 police officers accepted an invitation to re-visit a building in which they saw many years of active service last week (Wednesday 24th January), as part of Good Relations property & planning’s strategy to win planning consent to turn London’s oldest magistrates’ court and police station into a luxury hotel.
The proposals for the Grade 2 listed building’s future have been developed by its owners and GR client Edward Holdings, and include provision for an interactive museum giving visitors a chance to explore its fascinating history which has seen such famous characters as Oscar Wilde and the Kray twins in the dock.
During their private visit, the police officers had an opportunity to view and comment on an exhibition detailing plans for the development. The exhibition was then open to the public for two days, during which more than 100 local residents and former court officials and magistrates, including Baroness Trumpington, visited.
The police officers, including some who had spent 30 more or years of their careers in Bow Street, wandered through the police station, which has been closed since 1992, and expressed incredulity that the plans for the building’s future include the full restoration of cells to provide a unique ‘sleepover’ experience for independent travellers.
The plans also include the retention and full restoration of key features including all three courtrooms in the former magistrates court with original features such as wood panelling, enabling public access for the first time.
Louise Rodgers of Good Relations property & planning gave interviews to ITN’s London Tonight and LBC and coverage appeared in West End Extra and the Evening Standard.
A planning application will be submitted in April 2007.
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For further information or pictures please contact:
Louise Rodgers, Good Relations Property & Planning: Tel (d) 020 7861 3147 or (m) 0771 537 5133
