Rooftop Garden

A new outdoor rooftop garden will be situated on the proposed fifth floor, overlooking Kensington Gardens and providing outdoor drinking and dining for guests and the local community.This area will feature a variety of large plants, flowers and bug hotels to encourage pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.The garden will also be used to grow produce, which will be integrated into the hotel’s cocktail and food menus.

Adjacent terraces will not be overlooked andThe Columbia’s existing chimneys will create a natural sound barrier at both ends of the building.

As part of the project, we will be applying for new licensed operating hours.The Columbia takes its obligations to neighbours very seriously and will work with the local community to develop a full Operational Management Plan for the rooftop garden.

Front garden onto Lancaster Gate

A new, attractive garden will be provided at the front of the hotel onto Lancaster Gate.This will enhance the hotel’s entrance with attractive landscaping, while improving biodiversity with planting and landscaping.The carriageway drive will be fully pedestrianised and provide outside seasonal drinking and dining for guests and the local community.

We will be applying to extend the licensed operating hours for the hotel. A full Operational Management Plan will be required for this garden area, which the hotel will develop in conjunction with the local community.

Bars, restaurant and lounge

The proposals include the reconfiguration and refurbishment of The Columbia’s ground floor to relocate the existing reception and create a new restaurant, bar and lounge offering.The new restaurant and bar will be thoughtfully designed, celebrating the historic architecture of the rooms and will be available for guests and the local community.This will also include a lower ground bar and event space.

As with the gardens, we will be applying to extend the licensed operating hours of the ground floor and lower ground floor restaurant and bars.We will develop an Operational Management Plan closely with the community.

Bedrooms

A further 22 bedrooms are proposed as part of the plans, taking the total number up to 125 across the hotel. All bedrooms and bathrooms will be upgraded, including reconfiguring layouts to provide more space and providing modern facilities.