Contracts have been exchanged for the long-term lease of Cambridgeshire County Council’s former HQ, Shire Hall in Cambridge.
On Monday, 9 June, Cambridge Apartment Hotels Ltd, a subsidiary of the Lamington Group, exchanged contracts on a 250-year lease agreement for Shire Hall with Cambridgeshire County Council and expect to complete within the next 18 months.
Lamington are known for their sustainable hotel developments which they operate throughout the UK. Their proposals will require planning permission ahead of transforming the existing offices into premium visitor accommodation.
Shire Hall, the attached Octagon building, the former registry office in Castle Lodge and the Old Police Station was remarketed in February 2024 by BNP Paribas Real Estate, after a previously agreed sale became unviable.
The County Council’s HQ relocated to the purpose-built New Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald in 2021 and a decision was then taken to sell Shire Hall, Cambridge whilst protecting the public realm around the site, including Castle Mound, a scheduled ancient monument.
Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The sale of Old Shire Hall has been a very difficult process, given the impact of first Covid and then world economic instability. It has been sad for the community to see this much-loved building standing empty, so I am pleased that we are now able to announce the next steps for this building.
“Lamington have a strong record of creating high quality and sustainable destinations, and we share their optimism that this new hotel will be a major asset for visitors and the community alike.
