HLM Architects’ interiors team has completed the redesign of Camden Methodist Church in London’s Camden Town, transforming it into a 4-star luxury boutique hotel.
Working on behalf of The Wesley Hotel group, HLM led the interior design of the ambitious retrofit scheme, with construction commencing in January 2021. The new hotel, which is due to open its doors on 30th December, spread over four floors, is known as The Wesley Camden Town and will comprise 39 beautifully designed rooms, with a newly refurbished, modern worship space underneath for use by the local community.
The existing church brings a rich history, with a façade dating back to the 1800s, and was in need of extensive and comprehensive refurbishment to breathe new life into the building and preserve it for future generations. Working closely with the client, the HLM interiors team set out to sensitively transform and renovate the church, carefully retaining elements of the original building to create a scheme that is contemporary but also has a sense of history and complements its surroundings.
The team incorporated stylish and thoughtful design touches inspired by the colours, vibrancy and creativity of the local area, through the application of patterned fabric, refurbished wooden flooring and feature colour and textural detail. Meanwhile, bright timber geometrical feature wall panelling wallpaper, alongside local artwork, create a strong sense of place.
The building is just a stone’s throw from Camden High Street, at the heart of one of the capital’s most popular and bustling areas, with its diverse range of restaurants, bars, shops and tourist attractions. It is also a short distance from Mornington Crescent underground Station, Camden Town underground station and Camden Road overground Station.
James Barr, General Manager said “The Wesley couldn’t find a better location for its second hotel, than Camden Town. On the doorstep are Camden’s famous markets, stunning canal walks, a host of great music and event venues as well as many global company headquarters and a wealth of smaller businesses including a diverse range of eateries. This has been a fantastic regeneration and restoration project working alongside key partners including HLM. The new hotel bedrooms are modern and beautifully designed, and ideal for visitors looking for a comfortable stay in the heart of Camden Town”.
Jamie Wilson, Director at HLM Architects, said: “It has been a pleasure to work on this truly unique project, and it’s exciting to see the hotel opening its doors. The building is much-loved in the community and is located within the Camden Town Conservation Area. HLM has strong experience in delivering sensitive retrofit projects with sustainability at their core, and our interiors team relished the challenge of remodelling the building in a way that celebrates its historic charm while introducing contemporary features that reflect the vitality of the Camden Town neighbourhood. In designing this stand-out, luxury boutique hotel, we wanted to create an inspiring new destination for visitors to enjoy and relax, but also incorporate the building’s original purpose with a brand new worship space below the guest rooms.”
