The Hinduja Group and Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos have announced an extension to its partnership with Raffles Hotels & Resorts. In June 2017 an agreement was signed for Raffles to operate a hotel at the iconic Old War Office building in London. A further agreement has now been signed confirming Raffles as operator for the 85 residences at the Whitehall destination.
The OWO Residences by Raffles will be the first Raffles-branded residences in the UK and Europe.
Along with the signing of Raffles, The Hinduja Group and OHLD officially unveiled the new name for the project, ‘The OWO’, at a topping out ceremony marking a significant milestone towards the project’s opening early 2022. The new name is distinctive whilst celebrating and respecting the history and spirit of the Old War Office.
The Grade II* listed Old War Office building, originally completed in 1906, is steeped in history. This architectural masterpiece has witnessed world-shaping events whilst influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, and Lord Kitchener held office.
The OWO project is being developed by the Hinduja Group and its joint venture partner OHLD through their Special Purpose Vehicles. Mr Madani Sow, previously CEO and UK Chairman for Bouygues Construction, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer to oversee the development management of the project. The project has been designed by UK-based EPR Architects, with the hotel interiors designed by New York-based designer Thierry Despont, and the residences designed by 1508 London. The principal contractor is Ardmore Group, with Tourane Group completing the structural works, and structural engineers are Elliott Wood.