Why the Queens Hotel in Leeds is undergoing a £16m transformation

Alistair Campbell has joined The QHotels Group to become general manager of The Queens Hotel in Leeds. The new appointment comes as the hotel’s £16m transformation project gets underway.

A spokesman said: "Alistair joins The Queens Hotel with a wealth of experience in hotel management, having worked with prestigious names including Hilton, Thistle, Crowne Plaza and

Radisson. Arriving from his most recent position as general manager of the flagship Radisson Blu at Manchester Airport, Alistair has been recruited by QHotels Group to ensure the most successful transition for this iconic hotel.

"Each of the 232 rooms will see a luxurious redesign, whilst the hotel is set to play to the new way people are using city-centre hotel spaces. With plans for an exciting ‘social hub’ at its heart, the totally transformed ground floor will offer a multitude of vibrant communal areas, as well as creating a boutique and personal check-in area."

Commenting on his new appointment Mr Campbell said: “This is an incredibly exciting time and I am honoured to be joining The Queens Hotel team at such an important juncture.

“This investment has been a long time coming for the hotel and the city, in my short time here, it has already been an incredible experience witnessing the transformation first-hand. Our construction team are working carefully to ensure that we retain the historic features that people know and love, whilst bringing the property firmly into the 21 st Century.”

“We have received an overwhelming response to the news with people thrilled to see the hotel returned to its former glory. It is now my job to ensure that we exceed expectations and welcome guests to an experience that will be better than ever before.”

A major focus of the refurbishment will also be the complete transformation of the retail food and beverage offering, including a vibrant wine bar, outdoor terrace that spills out into the heart of the city, extensive coffee space and a new restaurant concept.

Richard Moore, Group Chief Executive of The QHotels Group, said: “How people use city-centre hotel public spaces has changed. The Queens Hotel Leeds is responding to this by providing the perfect place to meet, eat, drink and celebrate once again.

“I am extremely pleased to have Alistair at the helm of this important hotel for us. His attention to detail and dedication to providing a first-class guest experience means I am confident he and the team will establish The Queens Hotel as an outstanding place to visit in Leeds.”

The Queens Hotel Leeds, is set to reopen in spring and the full transformation will be revealed in the summer.

The Grade II-listed hotel was built in 1937 in the art deco style of the period. It was built as a railway hotel by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway and still has private access to the station. Famous guests have included Laurel and Hardy, who stayed twice during the height of their fame.