The Hinduja Group and Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos have announced an extension to its partnership with Raffles Hotels & Resorts, which is owned by Accor.
In June 2017, an agreement was signed for Raffles to operate a hotel at the iconic Old War Office building in London. A further agreement has now been signed confirming Raffles as operator for the 85 residences at the Whitehall destination.
The OWO Residences by Raffles will be the first Raffles-branded residences in UK and Europe, with the development also featuring the 125-room hotel, spa facilities and nine restaurants and bars.
Along with the signing of Raffles, the new name for the project, ‘The OWO’ has been revealed at the hotel's topping out ceremony, marking a significant milestone towards the project’s opening early 2022. The new name is distinctive whilst celebrating and respecting the history and spirit of the Old War Office.
The Grade II* listed Old War Office building, originally completed in 1906, is steeped in history. This architectural masterpiece has witnessed world-shaping events whilst influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, and Lord Kitchener held office.
Sébastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive officer of Accor, said, “Raffles is a beloved brand with British roots, named after the British statesman and founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, so it is very fitting that Raffles is coming home to London and that this will be our first residential project in Europe.
“It is an enormous privilege to be partnering with the Hinduja family and OHLD. We are thrilled to take part in this adventure and to add ‘The OWO’ to our Raffles collection, as this sublime location will undoubtedly make the list of the five most beautiful hotels in the world, alongside Raffles Singapore.”
