Sponsored by Urban Space Management

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Bow Street Magistrates’ Court was historically one of the most famous courts in England. As architect and lead designer, EPR’s sensitive conversion and extension has transformed the Grade II listed building into a luxury lifestyle hotel and Police Museum. The hotel forms the European debut of one of America’s most stylish brands: NoMad.
 
Through a collaboration with the Sydell Group and Roman and Williams, the project has reinvigorated the Victorian property whilst keeping its historic character at the core of the design.

Luxury lifestyle hotel NoMad London takes residence inside a Grade II listed building that formerly housed the iconic Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station. Added to the English Heritage’s Register of Buildings at Risk due to its poor condition, the Victorian property saw many attempted developments since its closure, with none successful in reimagining the building and its many constraints as a viable project.

The building’s location, rich architectural character and social history was a perfect fit for the Sydell Group’s premier brand. EPR’s careful conversion celebrates and exposes much of the building’s original fabric and detailing. Historical plasterwork mouldings were rediscovered, repaired and replicated throughout and the existing sash windows were restored and sensitively updated with secondary glazing.

The completed hotel houses 91 keys, a guest-only library, a two-storey atrium restaurant, unique bar venues and a dramatic ballroom events space within the former magistrates’ courtroom supported by two private dining rooms. Bold interiors by Roman and Williams and artwork curated by Be-Poles explores the brand’s New York bohemian style.

At the core of the project is the sustainable re-use of the existing building. Achieving a BREEAM rating of Very Good, the project has implemented smart energy-saving systems, careful material selection and thermal upgrading. This included introducing a new cavity drainage system enabling the existing basement levels to be reused and restoring the façade to its former glory.

The hotel provides work opportunities and successfully contributes to London’s visitor economy — providing meeting and event space and food and beverage areas that cater for both business and leisure travellers.

Eleanor Sharpe

Benjamin Proksy