South African boutique hotel group Leeu Collection is to expand into London.
The company has acquired a former office building with detailed planning consent to create a 100-room luxury hotel.
The property is expected to open in 2019 in the Fitzrovia district of the West End.
Leeu Collection chief executive, Carrie Wicks, said: “The purchase of a London property is a very exciting development for Leeu Collection, as it marks the first acquisition for the group in a major city, but it will certainly not be the last.
“Leeu Collection continues to seek hotel opportunities in key locations around the world that reflect the Leeu ethos of creating unrivalled escapes for discerning guests”.
Leeu Collection comprises three five-star boutique properties in South Africa’s winelands.
The firm’s Leeu first addition outside of South Africa was the 30-room Linthwaite House in the Lake District.
The second was Leeu Villa Querce in Florence, Italy, a 70-plus room luxury hotel and gardens due to open in 2021.