20 Nov 2023
The future of iconic Batchwood Hall has been confirmed as an an upmarket restaurant, bar and hotel.
Owners SADC have agreed a long-term lease with hospitality firm The Oakman Group for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the building which has lain empty since the pandemic.
Work to restore the Hall to its former glory is scheduled to begin next year after the necessary planning permissions have been granted with the venue likely to open for business in 2025.
SADC strategic director for customer, business and corporate support Suzanne Jones said: “We are very excited that this magnificent building is being brought back into use to become a St Albans landmark once again.
“The plans to create luxury hotel rooms alongside a high-quality restaurant and bar will help establish the Hall as a top destination and attract people looking for a staycation.
“We have worked hard to find an outstanding partner in Oakman who share our vision for this project. We have consulted with the nearby Gorhambury Estate and our leisure contractors Everyone Active who run the adjacent Batchwood golf and sports centre.
“We will now ensure residents are kept informed about progress as we want to take the local community with us as the restoration plans proceed.
“As well as reviving the Hall, the lease will also bring us much-needed revenue in the years ahead.”
Batchwood Hall was built in 1874 as a manor house for barrister, architect and horologist Edmund Beckett, the 1st Baron Grimthorpe, who co-designed the Big Ben clock.
The building and surrounding estate was acquired by the council in 1935 and a municipal 18-hole golf course was created in the grounds.
Most recently, the Hall was a night club with the lease relinquished in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. It was last used as an emergency Covid vaccination centre.
Oakman, owners of The Beech House in St Peter’s Street, were chosen as the preferred operator after an intensive and open selection process last year, and SADC has since been negotiating the terms and conditions of a 35-year-long lease.
An independently run company, Oakman’s portfolio features many beautiful old historic properties that they have renovated and run as hotels or inns, including the Royal Foresters offering in Ascot which has golfing amenities and builds historic tours for guests while remaining family-focused.
