Before closing its doors in October 2019, the Royal Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital was a health facility on Gray’s Inn Road in London. With planning permission from Camden Council granted, Grovesworld now aims to transform the famous old hospital into five buildings to add more facilities and spaces people can enjoy in London’s Knowledge Quarter.

Grovesworld, a developer known for delivering various mixed-use schemes, plans to renew the former health facility. Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morrisaim (AHMM) aim to build 72 homes, with half of these set to be affordable.

Organisations based in this location may wish to make use of the 14,000 square meters of office space that the new development will include. Though currently many Londoners are used to working from home, by time of the launch of the new development office working is likely to have resumed for many – even if only on a hybrid basis.

New surroundings residents and tourists can enjoy

Groveworld’s senior development manager Ross Jacobson says: “The new development has been designed in a way that aims to create an exciting new community that, aside from providing much-needed new homes for the borough, will deliver a mix of open spaces and high-quality facilities our residents and neighbours can enjoy.”

In collaboration with AHMM and EAST, a public courtyard will be designed. Residents and local business will not only be able to enjoy the green space, but they will be positioned nearby the King’s Cross area.

King’s Cross is a location with something for people of all ages to do. It is known for being a major rail hub with national trains at King’s Cross station and Eurostar services from St. Pancras nearby. Residents and tourists will also have access to local shops, restaurants, galleries and more.

Plans to transform the former health facility into a 182-room hotel have also been unveiled. A new gym, café, and restaurant will be part of the hotel.

Jacobson adds: “The final plans represent an exemplary design that has sought to reflect the historical grain of the King’s Cross Conservation Area, and will offer something for everyone, from open spaces to high-quality leisure facilities and a state-of-the-art lifestyle hotel where new and existing residents will be able to work, relax and socialise with friends and family.”

At the start of 2022 the Royal Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital is expecting the transformation process to begin. Currently, the application is in the process of being referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA).

By the time the new development is set for completion, many expect a full return to normality after Covid-19. Tourists from abroad should be able to enjoy hotel and workers who commute to the office can make use of the office space.