Chester's landmark Grosvenor Hotel set to close

The operators of Chester's famous Grosvenor Hotel have said they intend to close it by the end of the year.

The firm operating the landmark city centre hotel, Bespoke Hotels, is understood to have informed staff that concrete discovered in some of its conference rooms posed a potential safety risk.

The five-star establishment has been operating for more than 150 years, and for many years housed a Michelin-starred restaurant and counts Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood among its former staff.

Grosvenor - which owns the freehold of the venue - said its priority was "the long-term future of the hotel".

In a statement, the company – which is the family firm of one of the country's wealthiest property owners, the Duke of Westminster – said it was "sorry to acknowledge" the decision by Bespoke Hotels.

It said it was also sorry "for the impact this will have on those whose roles may be affected".

Grosvenor added: "Our priority now is to ensure the long-term future of the hotel given its importance to Chester.

"As an organisation steeped in the history of city and that is deeply committed to its long-term success, we are developing plans for a major refurbishment supported by significant investment and the appointment of a new operator.

"The refurbishment will protect the future of Cheshire's only five-star large hotel, strengthening Chester's tourism and hospitality economy."

Bespoke Hotels is understood to have informed staff that RAAC concrete (reinforced autoclave aerated concrete) had been discovered. The substance, which has been widely used since the 1950s, in hospitals, schools, blocks of flats and many other public and private buildings.

But last year the government launched an inquiry over concerns the limited-lifespan substance posed significant structural risks to buildings that contained it.

Bespoke Hotels – which has been running the Grosvenor for over 10 years - is reported to have said it intended to close the hotel by the end of September.

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