What is happening to Batchwood Hall site in St Albans?

Two years ago, Oakman Group PLC, agreed a 35-year lease for the iconic building with St Albans City and District Council (SADC).

Batchwood Hall, St Albans. (Image: Daniel Winn) The restaurant group, which previously owned The Beech House on St Peter's Street, announced it had entered administration on July 21 following 18 years of business, leading to speculation surrounding Batchwood's future.

After most recently operating as a nightclub named 'Club Batchwood' and a vaccination hub during the pandemic, plans were approved for the hall to undergo a change of use to become a hotel bar, wedding venue and restaurant.

The building's transformation seemingly commenced in September 2024 when ivy was removed from its façade, but no further work has been conducted since.

Robin Taylor, strategic director for Customer, Business and Corporate Support, confirmed the lease had been "terminated" and said the building was "back on the market".

Contractors working on Batchwood Hall in September 2024. (Image: Daniel Winn) “We are sorry to hear that Oakman Inns and Restaurants has gone into administration," Mr Taylor began.

“As a council, we support our local hospitality industry and are aware of the many challenges that they are faced with.

“We had been talking to Oakman about a financial settlement to allow them to withdraw from the Batchwood Hall project and are now in contact with the joint administrators about this.

“The agreement for lease has now been terminated as, sadly, Oakman are no longer in a position to meet the conditions."

Read More:

• First look as work begins on iconic building
• Beech House owners agree Batchwood Hall lease

The Beech House was also under the Oakman Inns umbrella. (Image: Google Maps/Canva) According to the council, "preparatory work" to put Batchwood up for sale has been undertaken and prospective tenants have viewed the property.

Mr Taylor continued: “Planning permissions to turn this iconic building into a restaurant, boutique hotel and events venue have already been granted.

“This means any new tenant can hit the ground running and breathe new life into this project to bring the historic hall back into use.

“Oakman’s difficulties will have no impact on our 2025/26 cashflow or budget as no rental income had been due. 

“The deal allowed for a long rent-free period in exchange for the major capital investment needed to transform the building.”

First built in 1874 for barrister and architect Edmund Beckett, the building was acquired by the council in 1935.

It is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course and a sports centre, which is also used for counting votes in local and national elections.