2 min reading time
Published on 09/07/25 – Updated on 09/07/25
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has commenced construction on its flagship hub by Premier Inn hotel development at 5 Strand, a prime location just off Trafalgar Square in Central London. This project will see the creation of one of London’s largest budget hotels, with 693 rooms.
The £200 million development, expected to open in autumn 2028, will span 16,000 square meters across 13 storeys. The hotel is situated in a highly sought-after area, close to Charing Cross Station and Nelson’s Column, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers.
“Breaking ground at 5 Strand is a major milestone for Whitbread and a defining moment in the evolution of our hub by Premier Inn brand, which began its journey a decade ago at St Martins Lane in Covent Garden.
“This flagship development – just metres from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station – demonstrates our ability to secure, design, and deliver high-quality hotels in London’s most complex and sought-after locations. It reflects the breadth of our in-house expertise and Whitbread’s long-term commitment to growing its affordable hotel brands in the capital where branded budget hotels are in short supply.
“Personally, leading the construction of such a prominent project is a career highlight and I’m very proud to be part of a team delivering a standout addition to our London network.” – Hester King, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread
The hotel will be built using slipform concrete construction, with the main construction phase set to begin later this year. When operational, the hotel will employ approximately 150 staff, with a focus on hiring from the local Westminster area and surrounding boroughs.
In line with its sustainability commitments, the hotel will run entirely on electricity generated from renewable sources. Whitbread aims to achieve zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2040 as part of its sustainability programme, Force for Good.
This new hub by Premier Inn will be an addition to Whitbread’s existing portfolio in Westminster, where it currently operates nine Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn properties.
More particularly, the company is expanding its hub by Premier Inn brand with the acquisition of Dorset House in South London, marking the debut of this concept south of the River Thames. Additionally, Whitbread is set to launch a new Premier Inn hotel in Vauxhall, Central London, following a strategic agreement with Lambeth Council to transform Phoenix House into a ten-storey hotel.
These moves highlight Whitbread’s commitment to strengthening its presence in key urban locations while continuing to expand its hospitality offerings in both the UK and Europe.
Every week, the HON team brings you an expert look at the world of hospitality. By becoming a member, you will have access to a complete ecosystem: exclusive content, jobs, etc.
