It was announced today the historic hotel will cease operating at the end of September
The Grosvenor Estate has confirmed that securing the long-term future of the historic Chester Grosvenor Hotel remains its “priority” after the news it will stop operating in September.
A representative disclosed proposals are underway to renovate the landmark Eastgate Street establishment and appoint a new operator. Bespoke Hotels, which has operated the Grade II listed property on the Estate’s behalf since 2015, announced the hotel will close its doors on September 30. The decision follows the discovery of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) above the function suites within the building.
RAAC is a lightweight, bubbly, and less durable form of concrete used primarily in UK public sector building roofs, floors, and walls from the 1950s to the mid-1990s.
It is considered life-expired and carries a high risk of sudden, unexpected failure, posing significant safety hazards.
A spokesperson for Grosvenor, said: “We are sorry to acknowledge that Bespoke Hotels has taken the decision to cease operating the hotel following its summer closure, and for the impact this will have on those whose roles may be affected.
“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.”
The shock announcement came after the unsafe concrete was found above the function suites, which were originally built in 1865, reports Cheshire Live.
In a statement, Bespoke Hotels said: “Following the recent discovery of RAAC above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.
“As a result, it is our intention to close the hotel on September 30 2026.
“Our immediate focus is on supporting our colleagues in the weeks ahead.
“We closed our conference suites after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) during recent surveys. The safety of our guests and colleagues is of the utmost importance and the affected area will remain closed as a precaution.
“All other public areas of the hotel, as well as the car park, are unaffected and continue to operate as normal.”
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