Knight Frank has been hired to sell Kingsway House and the adjoining 4 Great Queen Street in London’s Covent Garden, with the owner GMS Estates looking for offers exceeding £25 million.
Planning permission and design
The two properties already have consent to become a flagship hospitality project, a status that removes a major planning obstacle and gives potential buyers a clear path forward. The approved scheme calls for an 80‑bedroom hotel and an extra commercial unit, adding a new seven‑storey structure on the 4 Great Queen Street plot.
Developers will have more than 51,000 square feet of floor space. The plan retains the historic façade of Kingsway House, which lies inside the Kingsway Conservation Area, preserving the street’s character while adding modern capacity. This blend of heritage and new build is intended to meet the expectations of high‑end guests.
“Opportunities to acquire a consented hotel development of this scale and quality in the heart of central London are exceptionally rare,” said James Bater, associate at Knight Frank. “Kingsway House combines an outstanding Covent Garden location with a de‑risked planning position and clear route to development at a time of strong demand for well‑located hotel accommodation in the capital.”
Location and transport links
The site is a short walk from Covent Garden, Soho, Seven Dials and the West End, placing it amid a lively mix of retail, top‑tier restaurants and entertainment venues. Visitors can step out onto famous streets and reach cultural landmarks within minutes.
Covent Garden alone draws more than 40 million visitors each year, according to the report, reinforcing year‑round demand for quality lodging from both leisure and business travelers. The steady flow of tourists supports higher occupancy rates for nearby hotels.
Transport connectivity is a strong point. The property sits a one‑minute walk from Holborn Station, earning the highest PTAL (Public Transport Accessibility Level) rating. This proximity means easy access to the underground network.
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King’s Cross St Pancras, Bond Street and Piccadilly Circus are reachable within five minutes, while Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports are under 50 minutes away. Such links make the location attractive for international guests and business itineraries.
Given the approved plans and prime location, the development could attract investors seeking a ready‑to‑build hotel in a market where new supply is limited. The combination of heritage, size and transport options creates a compelling package.
While the planning approval removes a major hurdle, actual construction timelines will still depend on financing conditions and broader market sentiment. If investor confidence stays steady, the project could move quickly; however, any shift in travel patterns could slow progress.
Investors are watching closely.
The combined site includes two buildings, and the approved design provides a suite of hotel rooms together with a commercial space. This configuration allows for diversified revenue streams from accommodation and retail.
Potential buyers can contact Knight Frank for further details, as the property is now on the market.
