Batchwood Hall: First look as work begins on iconic building

Plans were approved earlier this month for Batchwood Hall to undergo a change of use, having been known for years as Club Batchwood, a nightclub that has hosted musical luminaries such as Kanye West.

Kanye West is among the stars to have performed at the now former Club Batchwood.The nightclub shut shortly before the pandemic and the manor house was most recently used as a vaccination centre in 2020.

Work is underway for a change of use for the former Club Batchwood. (Image: Daniel Winn) In November 2023, the district council struck a deal with hospitality firm The Oakman Group for its redevelopment, promising to give the building "a new lease of life".

With planning officers officially giving the project the thumbs up, work has got under way today (September 18), with the green ivy removed from the exterior of the 19th century building.

Contractors had to wait for nesting season to come to an end before they could commence work on the project, which will see the grand old building become a 16-bedroom hotel, restaurant, bar and wedding venue.

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• Beech House owners apply to change usage of Batchwood Hall

Oakman Group has acquired the building on a 35-year lease, with its CEO Peter Borg-Neal saying last year: "We want to create a great space for the people of St Albans to come together to enjoy our hospitality in an outstanding setting".

Contractors got straight to work removing the ivy from the building. (Image: Daniel Winn) Suzanne Jones, the council's strategic director for customer, business and corporate support said: "We are very excited that this magnificent building is being brought back into use to become a St Albans landmark once again.

The building is set to become a restaurant, hotel and wedding venue (Image: Daniel Winn) "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. "

First built in 1874 for barrister and architect Edmund Beckett, the building was acquired by the council in 1935.

The building as it looked before work commenced. (Image: Navigate Planning / St Albans City & District Council) It is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course and a sports centre, which is also used for counting votes in local and national elections.