Former Cambridgeshire County Council meeting place Shire Hall to be leased to hotel group

Contracts have been exchanged for the long-term lease of Cambridgeshire County Council’s former headquarters and meeting venue.

Last Monday, Cambridge Apartment Hotels Ltd, a subsidiary of the Lamington Group, agreed a 250-year lease for Shire Hall in Cambridge with the council, which is expected to be completed within the next 18 months.

Lamington is known for its sustainable hotel developments, which it operates throughout the UK. The proposals will require planning permission ahead of transforming the existing offices into premium visitor accommodation.

Shire Hall, the attached Octagon building, the former registry office at Castle Lodge, and the old police station were remarketed in February 2024 by BNP Paribas Real Estate, after a previously agreed sale became “unviable”.

The county council relocated to the purpose-built New Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald in 2021, and a decision was then taken to sell the original headquarters while protecting the public realm around the site - including Castle Mound, a scheduled ancient monument.

Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The sale of Old Shire Hall has been a very difficult process, given the impact of first Covid and then world economic instability.

“It has been sad for the community to see this much-loved building standing empty, so I am pleased that we are now able to announce the next steps for this building.

“Lamington has a strong record of creating high-quality and sustainable destinations, and we share their optimism that this new hotel will be a major asset for visitors and the community alike.”