Emma Mykytyn Planning Permission Granted for New AMANO Hotel at Waterman House
Planning permission has been secured for a new 73-key AMANO Hotel at Waterman House on Kingsway, marking another step in the brand’s expansion across Central London.
Manex Properties, the joint venture between Berlin-based AMANO Group and London-based Excellion Capital, will transform the former office building at 41 Kingsway into a boutique lifestyle hotel.
Waterman House to Become Boutique AMANO Hotel
The approved plans will see Waterman House redeveloped into a 73-room boutique hotel, with a new ground-floor food retail concept designed to bring more activity to the street frontage.
The consent, granted by Westminster City Council, builds on the original plans announced when the building was acquired in September 2025. The updated scheme is designed to improve the building’s functionality while reconnecting it with its architectural heritage.
The nine-storey landmark building measures around 25,000 sq ft and has stood vacant for more than a decade. The redevelopment will restore the property’s character and bring a long-derelict building back into use in the heart of London’s Theatreland.
Second AMANO Hotel in Central London
Located just 50 yards from Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, Waterman House will become AMANO’s second hotel in Central London.
Its location places guests close to Covent Garden, The Strand and Bloomsbury, with theatres, museums, universities and business districts all nearby.
Alongside the existing 141-key Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, the new hotel will help create a strong AMANO hospitality cluster in London’s West End.
More Rooftop Bars, Restaurants and Event Spaces
Guests across AMANO’s London hotels will benefit from an expanded collection of rooftop bars, restaurants, event spaces and coffee shops.
The two neighbouring hotels will be operated by one team, helping to create operational efficiencies and economies of scale. Once completed, AMANO’s London estate is expected to reach a value of around £150 million.
Restoration Work to Begin Later This Year
Philip Rokeach, Director at AMANO Group, said:
“Our vision to bring Berlin’s flair to London was already validated by the exceptional performance of Hotel AMANO Covent Garden. Securing planning consent for Waterman House was an important next step in expanding our AMANO brand in the city.”
Robert Stafler, Director at AMANO UK and Manex Properties, added:
“Securing planning permission is a major milestone. The approval enables our office-to-hotel conversion and increases the room count to 73 keys. It improves building design, operational functionality and street-level presence. We are delighted to start the restoration of Waterman House later this year to bring this long-derelict landmark asset back to life.”
