The Oakman group's ideas for a multi-million pound refurbishment of Batchwood Hall have been revealed.
St Albans City & District Council confirmed this morning (Monday, November 20) that a 35-year lease had been agreed, with the historical site set to become a hotel and restaurant.
Among other hotels and restaurants, the Oakman group operate St Peter's Street eatery The Beech House.
The group's initial ideas for Batchwood Hall, subject to planning permission being granted, have been described as "a great space for the people of St Albans to come together to enjoy our hospitality in an outstanding setting", by Oakman CEO Peter Borg-Neal.
Oakman's ideas include 14 bedrooms in total, including a bridal suite. The site's atrium has also been described as "a dramatic space" which could be "top lit" to increase its effect.
A new terrace at the same level as the ground floor has been suggested, with views of the landscape and golf course.
Dining areas on the south side of Batchwood Hall have been proposed, with views through tall windows.
The ideas present a re-created "central court", with no rooflights to let light into the hotel and restaurant.
Various new walls (coloured in yellow on the designs) have been proposed on the first floor, along with a glass lift and "acoustic partitions".
They have also suggested the removal of an "ugly escape stair", to be replaced with a balcony.
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The designs also state: "We have guessed at the way the house used to work - it has a deep plan which suggests light was dropped in from above, plus it would probably have followed the Italian Palazzo model that would have been fashionable at the time - 1874 - following the Neo-Renaissance style begun by (Charles) Barry with buildings like the Travellers Club.
"If we follow this route, there would be very little alteration apart from the reintroduction of the piers and columns on the south side of the house where they look to have been removed.
"This would also form a screen to the seating area but still allow views out over the landscape."
A previous example of the company's work was outlined by St Albans district council's announcement of the lease: "During the process, Council officers visited one of Oakman’s premises, The Woburn, a pub, restaurant and 48-room hotel in Woburn, Beds.
"The venue, leased from the Bedford Estates, was put forward as an example of the company’s work."
Work has been scheduled to begin next year, subject to planning permissions being granted, with the venue likely to open for business in 2025.
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