Work starts on Syon Park hotel (From Your Local Guardian)

Work starts on Syon Park Hilton hotel

5:39pm Wednesday 10th December 2008 in Local news By Chris Briddon

Artist's impression of the 151-bedroom Hilton hotel in historic Syon Park

Work has started on a 151-bedroom Hilton hotel in historic Syon Park.

Developer the Ability Group announced on Monday that construction work has started on the hotel which will include state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, restaurants and a spa A planning application was first submitted to Hounslow Council in 2002 and permission for the development given in 2004.

Ability said its plans have been drawn up in consultation with the trustees of the 200-acre estate which is owned by the Duke of Northumberland, English Heritage and the council.

Andreas Panayiotou, Ability's group chairman, said: "This is a rare opportunity to establish a luxury hotel for London in an idyllic and peaceful parkland setting."

He added: "We are very pleased and proud to work with Hilton again in creating what is certain to become a sought-after international destination."

Ability has agreed to invest in the restoration and conservation of Syon Park, including the Adam oval carriageway in front of Syon House and the Duchess Gate, which will be reopened to pedestrians for the first time since before the Second World War.

Ability's development of the hotel and investment in parkland restoration are key to the implementation of the estate's landscape management and conservation plans.

Rory Wilson, agent for Northumberland Estates which manages the duke's business interests, said: "Syon is a unique place and the hotel guests will undoubtedly enjoy its unspoilt tranquillity.

"For us, the development not only sits well with the continued expansion of the weddings and corporate entertainment business run from Syon, but also provides a perfect opportunity to help safeguard the future of one of the many historic property assets under our ownership."

• What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.