Liverpool architecture practice Falconer Chester Hall wins contract for 900-room hotel as it celebrates 25 years in business. Tony McDonough reports

One of Liverpool’s best-known architecture practice Falconer Chester Hall (FCH) has secured a contract on a new 900-room hotel in London.

And the new deal comes as FCH celebrates 25 years in business. Founded in 1997, the 76-strong firm now also has offices in Manchester and London. It will now work on The Forum, a new hotel in South Kensington in the capital.

“Our first project was the transformation of Queen Square in Liverpool, and it helped set the direction of the practice,” said co-founder Paul Falconer. It was a major mixed-use scheme and its constituent parts have been the cornerstone of our growth since.”

This latest project win is for developer Fragrance Group – the company behind the transformation of Municipal Buildings in Liverpool. It reinforces how the hotel sector has underpinned FCH’s output for more than two decades.

“We’re delighted to be trusted with this major development in the capital, showing how far we have come as a firm,” added director Alastair Shepherd, who has been with the firm for 23 years.

“We will always be proud that our company has grown out of Liverpool to be respected nationally, ”

The Temple Square-headquartered practice currently has 109 live projects on its books. It remains one of only three firms based in the North West to be included in industry bible Architects’ Journal’s coveted AJ100 list.

Paul also said: “We’ve ridden out multiple recessions, rapid market changes and several major office moves and feel the fitter for it.

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“Despite current market headwinds we see more scope for growth, particularly in the residential and hospitality sectors. There are exciting opportunities to make a positive impact by focusing on sustainability.”

The firm’s latest project win will be delivered by the team in its London studio, with backing from Liverpool colleagues.

Eight members of staff have been with the firm for 20 years or more. It has delivered 7,500 hotel bedrooms and more than 6,000 apartments since its foundation.

“We led the way in new hotel development and in city living in Liverpool,” said Paul.  “We’ve delivered four hotels on Dale Street alone.”