Croydon Council has approved the first phase of a £30m restoration of the historic Selsdon Park Hotel, paving the way for the long-vacant site to be brought back into use.

Located on Addington Road in Selsdon, the estate's history stretches back over a millennium, with records of a manor at Selsdon from the 9th century. Historic links include King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and the Smith family, who helped define much of the estate's character.

The property, empty since 2023, was purchased earlier this year by AB Boutique Hotels. The owners plan to transform the locally listed building and its grounds into a luxury destination under the Elysium Collection brand, alongside five other hotels they operate, creating over 150 full and part-time jobs while enhancing the site's heritage.

The approved first phase centres on repairing and restoring windows, including stained glass and decorative leaded elements. This work aims to protect the hotel's historic features, improve energy efficiency and help secure the building's long-term future.

-- Advertisement --

This is the opening step in a wider programme that would refurbish the hotel, gym and tennis courts; deliver new spa and wellness facilities and padel courts; provide staff accommodation; and upgrade both vehicular and pedestrian access. The plans also include landscape and biodiversity improvements across the estate's 200 acres of historic parkland.

The applicant anticipates reopening the hotel and leisure facilities to visitors and the public in summer 2027, with the spa expected to follow towards the end of 2027.

The project supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry's commitment to safeguarding the borough's character and heritage while backing local employment and economic growth by creating a visitor attraction. According to the applicant's planning submission, the proposals align with the Croydon Local Plan vision for Selsdon, which recognises the hotel as an important source of jobs and economic activity.

James Routledge of the Elysium Collection said: "The Elysium Collection would like to thank Croydon Council for working with our team to achieve this planning approval. We look forward to continuing engagement with them closely as our plans develop. Their practical approach to this complicated restoration project of an iconic hotel is much appreciated."

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: "Selsdon Park Hotel is a wonderful local landmark, rich in local history and set in beautiful surroundings. I am delighted to see this £30m restoration project progressing. It is a significant investment in Selsdon that will protect the future of this historic estate, create new jobs, support local businesses and strengthen Croydon's visitor economy. Seeing an iconic building restored and brought back into active use is good news for residents and for the borough as a whole."