Work to convert Bristol's Guildhall into a luxury hotel has begun, nearly a decade after plans to transform the 62,000-square-foot historic structure were first put forward. Restoration of the site, which dates back to the 13th century when it was built for a Guild of Merchants, was hampered when a fire damaged the building in March 2020.
A staff member at the adjoining solicitor's office confirmed to Bristol Live that a marked increase in activity on the site had been ongoing for around a fortnight, with construction workers' skips and fencing signalling that the long-delayed project is now finally commencing.
Initially, the plans to convert the building into a hotel were recommended for approval by council officers in 2013 after the building was sold to property developer The Trevor Osborne Property Group, and the proposal was put back on the table at the end of 2021. The property group, based in Bath, specialises in transforming historic properties into upscale hotels.
