We advised Westminster City Council on the viability of a proposed scheme for a 125-bed luxury hotel, together with other associated uses, and 88 residential apartments. The site, which measures 1.37 hectares, was acquired by 57 Whitehall SARL, having been previously used as government offices which were declared surplus to requirements.

We were instructed to review the Financial Viability Assessment (FVA), with regard to the provision of Affordable Housing, which accompanied the planning application and report back to the Council.  

The Council required a full review of the FVA submitted by the applicant’s agents and also required the inputs of a hotel specialist and a quantity surveyor, both of whom we engaged on behalf of the Council.  We were asked to test a comprehensive set of data for the affordable housing element and asked to test on site provision and then an off-site payment in lieu.

This project involved:

• Working alongside a hotel specialist and quantity surveyor.
• Liaising closely with the Applicant’s Agent, our sub-consultants and the Council.
• Working to a tight programme to manage inputs on appraisals.
• Ensuring the Council obtained the best outcome.