Hines, the international real estate firm, is to partner with leading European hotel operator 25hours Hotels to create a 243-room boutique hotel in the heart of Copenhagen.
The new hotel will be the operator’s first project in Denmark and will form the centrepiece of a modern mixed-use development, including premium retail, on the city’s Købmagergade.
The flagship hotel will offer a culinary experience, as well as high-end bar and café concepts, wellness and contemporary meeting facilities. The hotel’s distinctive interiors will be designed by interior designer Martin Brudnizki.
Within the historic buildings, Hines will also create 3,000 sq m of prime retail space and will be targeting a mix of international and Danish occupiers to form a vibrant new retail destination on Købmagergade, Copenhagen’s main shopping street. Hines will complement the development with the addition of six residential apartments within the buildings.
Located close to the Rundetaarn, one of the city’s most popular landmarks, the area benefits from strong tourist footfall and is already a popular premium retail destination that attracts brands such as Jimmy Choo, Valentino and Louis Vuitton, as well as Sephora, Rituals and a wide selection of Danish brands.
The development will see the historic buildings, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, transformed into an exciting new venue and premium retail space, with their original heritage character restored and enhanced. The project will create a new quarter for shopping and relaxation at the northern end of Købmagergade.
Hines acquired Købmagergade 44, 46 and 50 in May 2018 on behalf of the Hines European Value Fund (HEVF). The new hotel will open to guests in 2021, with the new retail spaces to be available from late 2020.
25hours is a boutique hotel operator with 13 individually designed hotels across Europe. In the past three years the group has opened new hotels in Paris, Cologne and Zurich. The brand focuses on individuality, authenticity and character.
RPA Perspective The project will be led by Danish architect BBP, which has been chosen for its expertise in working with heritage buildings. The hotel interiors will be designed by London and New York-based interior designer Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, whose previous projects have included New York’s Beekman Hotel, Miami’s Soho Beach House and London’s Annabel’s club.
Hines were also advised by Nordic Hotel Consulting and Bruun & Hjejle on the 25hours agreement.
James Robson, Hines’ Nordic regional head, said: “25hours Hotels is an exciting, international brand that will offer something unique in central Copenhagen. We are delighted that our development will be home to their first hotel in Denmark. Købmagergade’s popular location and the dynamic combination of brands we are looking to partner with will create an attractive destination for international tourists and the domestic market. This is a very positive investment in Copenhagen and reflects the city’s growing appeal as an international destination.”
Karen Nielsen, development director at Hines in Copenhagen, said: “This is a very exciting project for the city of Copenhagen and will bring a beautiful and historic building back into use, opening it up to be enjoyed by many more people. We have assembled an impressive team of Danish and international experts to transform the buildings, who will be focused on restoring their original features, many of which have been hidden or damaged by 20th century additions.”
Paul White, Hines Managing Director and HEVF fund manager, said: “The fund management team and our investors are very excited by the project Hines is delivering with 25hours as our partner in these beautiful buildings.”