Dominvs Group to develop Courtyard by Marriott in Oxford

Real estate and private equity company Dominvs Group has been given the go-ahead to develop a 140-room hotel in the centre of Oxford.

Planning permission was granted by Oxford City Council, despite widespread opposition from conservationists that the scheme would harm views of the Grade-I-listed, 11th century St George's Tower

The new-build six-storey property, which will replace the disused industrial Cooper Callas building, will open under the select service Courtyard by Marriott brand. It will feature a roof garden and terrace with views of Oxford Castle.

On granting planning permission, Oxford City Council said that it welcomed the development as it responds to the high numbers of tourists visiting the city and because it will create 70 jobs. Dominvs scaled down original plans for the hotel, which have involved the demolition of the 19th century Brewery Gate and Old Horse Hospital buildings.

The design of the hotel, which will mirror the brickwork and fenestration in the surrounding streets, was approved by Historic England.

Jay Ahluwalia, director of the family-owned Dominvs Group, said: "We are delighted that this proposal has been deemed acceptable in both economic and heritage terms. The detail of the scheme has evolved following extensive consultation and engagement with officers at the City Council along with officers from Historic England.

"The proposals have also been the subject of public engagement where members of the public and key stakeholders were encouraged to have an open dialogue with our development team to shape the detailed design of the proposal. This engagement also led to us retaining the former Brewery Gate Public House."

Last week Dominvs secured planning permission from the City of London Corporation to develop a 132-bedroom hotel on Ludgate Hill, close to St Paul's Cathedral. The brand under which it will operate is yet to be announced.

The company is also converting the former Tower Bridge Magistrates Court into a luxury 200-bedroom hotel, which will became part of Marriott International's independent Autograph Collection.

Last month Dominvs, which currently has two hotels open - the Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn Express at Aberdeen Airport - sold the 298-bedroom Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre to Starwood Capital Group, off a guide price of £55m.

Dominivs Group to develop hotel close to St Paul's Cathedral >>

Dominvs sells Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre >>

Dominvs Group acquires Tower Bridge site for planned hotel >>

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