Further planning wins for hospitality design specialist DMA

Despite the inevitable slow-down of building activity during lockdown, it’s been encouraging to see the English planning system adapt to enable planning and development to continue during the coronavirus epidemic. We were delighted to see our client Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) win significant planning approvals this month and help them achieve recognition for their achievements.

DMA have been granted planning permission to convert the Grade II Listed Norfolk Plaza Hotel in Paddington in to an 87 key 4-star hotel, with a flexible multifunctional lounge concept. DMA’s design will improve the client experience, particularly in the modern accommodation and welcoming lobby, and bring the design in line with current building regulations. The multifunctional lobby concept will be a flexible self-service/retail environment inspired by co-working lounges.

Respecting the history of the square and its surrounding buildings, the design works within the envelope of the previous consent but has reworked the internal layouts to ease servicing, increase room count and review escape requirements, including the addition of a second stair.

Meanwhile, planning has also been secured for a new 132-room hotel on Week Street in the centre of Maidstone. Alongside a welcoming reception, lobby, café area and restaurant, the 5779sq m (GIA) hotel will include the town’s first publicly accessible rooftop bar, with views overlooking the beautiful Kentish hills.

DMA’s design for client Assetrock Maidstone Limited gained unanimous support on the evening of the planning committee and has been very well received by local businesses and the general public who were keen to see the hotel play a key role in the revitalisation of the local high street.

Press coverage, from key hospitality industry titles such as Sleeper and Boutique Hotelier to local media have all highlighted the practice’s strong reputation for creating deliverable hotel projects that can contribute to the revival of town centres and high streets.

The new 132-room hotel on Week Street in Maidstone will feature the town’s first publicly accessible rooftop bar

Above: DMA has won planning to convert the Grade II Listed Norfolk Plaza Hotel in Paddington into an 87 key 4-star hotel