JMK Group Gains Planning Permission to Convert Grade II-Listed Victorian Building into Luxury Hotel, Merging Heritage with Modern Hospitality in Central London

Published on January 7, 2026

Family-run hospitality company JMK Group has been granted full planning permission and listed-building consent to transform a Grade II-listed Victorian building in the heart of the City of London into a design-led luxury hotel. This development represents another critical milestone in the integration of historic preservation with modern hospitality and further demonstrates JMK Group’s dedication to complementing the capital’s urban fabric.

Owned by the property investment firm End, this 180-key hotel will be set in an underused office building and is going to be one of the landmarks in the Square Mile, designed by Studio Moren, one of the leading practices in architecture and interior design. The design will have to strike a sensitive balance between heritage conservation and contemporary design to provide a unique luxury offer that showcases the Victorian character of the building and integrates today’s discerning traveler’s needs into it.

Reviving Heritage with a Contemporary Touch

The project’s vision is to celebrate heritage through sensitive adaptation, ensuring the original architectural features of the building are preserved while introducing contemporary elements. Studio Moren’s design seeks to blend the historic character of the structure with modern hospitality requirements, offering a seamless transition between past and present.

At ground level, the hotel will feature a publicly accessible lounge, restaurant, café, and bar, enhancing its connection to the surrounding streetscape. These spaces will not only enrich the building’s relationship with the local community but also contribute to the area’s wider public realm. This integration of public and private spaces reflects a modern approach to urban hospitality, where the hotel serves as both a destination and a part of the living city.

Preserving Architectural Integrity with Modern Adaptations

The development will preserve key elements of the building’s original fabric, including its marble-clad street-level façade, staircases, and cast-iron columns. Lost architectural features, such as decorative plaster ceilings, chimney breasts, and segmental arches, will be reinstated, strengthening the building’s Victorian identity. These efforts ensure the preservation of the building’s historic character while accommodating modern hospitality needs.

A distinctive aspect of the design is a lightweight metal roof extension, which draws inspiration from the building’s existing segmental arches and echoes the architectural forms of the nearby St Clement’s Church. This roof extension will allow the development to blend harmoniously with the historic environment, maintaining a respectful balance between old and new.

Sustainability and Modernity Combined in Hotel Development

Studio Moren has taken a sustainability-first approach in the hotel’s design. The project aims to retrofit and reuse the existing listed structure while integrating low-carbon material specifications and efficient HVAC systems. Sustainability initiatives include the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting, window planters, and a biodiverse green roof. These measures are designed to ensure the project minimizes its environmental footprint, targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating—a leading sustainability certification.

Bryan Oknyansky, head of sustainability at Studio Moren, highlighted that embedding sustainability principles from the outset helped streamline the planning process, improving environmental outcomes through close collaboration with stakeholders. This commitment to sustainability is part of the broader trend in hospitality development, where eco-conscious design is becoming an integral aspect of creating spaces that are both functional and environmentally responsible.

A New Chapter in Heritage-Led Hospitality

The project is poised to be a model for heritage-led hospitality developments, showing that historic buildings can be adapted and reinvigorated for modern use without compromising their architectural integrity. Mark Wood, partner at Studio Moren, emphasized that this approval demonstrates how historic structures can grow and evolve naturally within their context while offering an exceptional guest experience rooted in craft, character, and local history.

The completion of this hotel marks an important development for JMK Group, whose wider portfolio includes a range of hotels, properties, and coffee houses across London and Ireland. This new project further solidifies the group’s focus on heritage-led hospitality in prime urban locations, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can create sustainable, iconic destinations that resonate with both local communities and international visitors.

Looking Forward: Future Growth of Heritage-Driven Hospitality

The completion of this project signals a larger trend in the hospitality sector, where heritage-driven developments are becoming increasingly important in both preserving the character of cities and meeting the demands of modern travelers. The success of this hotel conversion will serve as an important case study for future developments, showing how sensitive adaptation of heritage buildings can support sustainable tourism while offering cutting-edge facilities.

With growing interest in design-led, sustainable hotel developments, this project will likely set the standard for future hospitality investments in prime urban locations, where there is both a need to preserve historical integrity and integrate modern amenities for the evolving tourism market. It will serve as an important model for cities globally, where the balance between heritage and modernity is key to creating enduring and successful tourism destinations.

As global tourism continues to expand, the trend of heritage-focused hospitality will see further growth. The hotel industry is evolving to prioritize sustainability, cultural preservation, and local authenticity—a combination that appeals to modern travelers who seek unique and meaningful experiences. With this project as an example, future hotel developments are likely to follow suit, emphasizing integrated design that meets the needs of both today’s guests and the legacy of the past.

A Blend of History and Modernity for a Bright Hospitality Future

The Grade II-listed Victorian hotel project in the heart of London, undertaken by JMK Group, is a forward-looking approach to heritage-led hospitality that weaves in some of the greatest principles of sustainability, modern design, and a deep respect for historical architecture. It not only further strengthens London’s tourism offering but also contributes to the growing global movement of eco-conscious, design-led hotel developments. This development will help define the future of city tourism at a point where the protection of cultural heritage meets the needs of contemporary travelers in harmony and with sustainability.

With the increased demand for integrated hospitality developments that demonstrate modern and historical values, it is projects like this that will continue to shape the future of the hotel industry. The future of urban tourism is set to thrive, balancing sustainability, innovation, and heritage conservation to offer guests richer, more immersive travel experiences while sustaining city growth.