Yesterday Mayor Boris Johnson bolted the final beam of the largest ever purpose-built hotel in London, as the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London designed by local BUJ Architects marked its ‘Topping Out.’

When it opens early next year on the South Bank, the £350 million hotel will feature more than 1,000 guest rooms and 2,700 square meters of meeting space.

With Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as his backdrop, the Mayor secured the final bolt in the final beam high on the penthouse floor as part of a traditional ‘Topping Out,’ a ceremony that marks the completion of the external structure of a building.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘This impressive development has removed an awful eyesore that has blighted this corner of the capital for too long. A sparkling new hotel is just what the South Bank needs. I am sure it will act as a major springboard for the regeneration plans for Waterloo Station and the surrounding area, on top of creating hundreds of jobs and boosting the local economy.’

photos © Nick Weall

‘What’s more, the huge investment being made today demonstrates great confidence in the future prosperity of our great city.’

Owned and operated by Park Plaza Hotels, which already operates four 4-star deluxe and one five-star hotel in London, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge will employ approximately 800 people and will be a key player in the ongoing regeneration of the South Bank. The 16-story, contemporary glass-paneled hotel is on the former site of the derelict Greater London Council (GLC) building, which was widely regarded as one of the ugliest buildings in London.

Park Plaza Hotels President & CEO Boris Ivesha cited the construction of the hotel as an example of the company’s commitment to London.

‘We are passionate about London and are on track to deliver 5,000 beds across the capital, establishing Park Plaza Hotels as one of the city’s most important hotel operators,’ he said.

Tracy Halliwell, director of Business Tourism for Visit London, said the new hotel would be a welcome addition to the capital.

‘London is the number one city destination in the world for international travel and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London will add to the already strong business offer. It will provide visitors with a spectacular new hotel with an outstanding range of high-end facilities’ which will be able to service both leisure and business visitors. The construction of Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is a real confidence boost to tourism and we are delighted to be supporting them with this official topping out ceremony,’ she said.

In addition to its 1,021 guest rooms and extensive meeting and event facilities, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge will offer South Bank visitors a choice of stylish new restaurants, a chic bar and lounge, and a luxury spa.

Location: SE1 – south bank of River Thames
Height : 14 stories
Building Type : Apartment Hotel
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Facilities:

1,021 contemporary guest rooms
2,700sqm of flexible meeting space
30 Meeting Rooms
signature restaurant
luxury Spa

Opening 2010