Work starts to complete Peterborough's Hilton Garden Inn

A spokesperson for the new owners of the nine-storey Hilton Garden Inn at Fletton Quays has confirmed that ‘preparatory’ work is now in progress on the building that was sold for £2.5 million just weeks ago.

The building, which sits on the banks of the River Nene, was sold to Peterborough- based Leisure & Co Hotel Ltd on August 4.

A spokesperson for Leaf Hospitality, which will manage the Hilton Garden Inn that is expected to open next summer, said that ‘preparatory work has started’ on the hotel.

It is estimated that the last building work to take place on the 160 bedroom hotel occurred in about March 2023 before the developer was taken into administration by Peterborough City Council which had lent £15 million in 2017 to kickstart construction.

By the time work stopped, 80 per cent of the hotel had been completed and a ‘topping out’ ceremony held, attended by an array of civic dignitaries including the Hilton Hotels managing director who said he expected the hotel to be open by January 2023.

It has been suggested that the cost of finishing the hotel could range from £7 million to £10 million.

Leaf Hospitality say that when completed, Hilton Garden Inn Peterborough will offer 160 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, meeting facilities, fitness amenities and a ninth-floor rooftop terrace. It will also create 60 jobs.

Paul Blackmore, vice president, development, UK & Ireland, Hilton, has previously said: “We’re excited to see Hilton Garden Inn Peterborough moving forward and to reaffirm our commitment to this important project.

"The hotel has the potential to play a key role in bringing new visitors, jobs and energy to a prominent riverside location. We’ve long believed in the opportunity here and are pleased to see the project take this important step closer to delivery.”

Hilton Garden Inn crisis timeline:

September 25, 2017: A two year £15 million loan advanced for hotel with first drawdown in May 2020. (Pay back due April 2022) The loan was agreed for Norlin Hotels Holdings. A council reports states the hotel is expected to be completed in 2019.

October 2018: Councillors voice alarm as it’s revealed ownership of Fletton Quays Hotel has switched from Norlin to Propiteer Hotels. The loan to be paid out over 48 months from the time of first payment to Propiteer. The hotel is now due to be completed in 2020.

December 2019: Start of Covid-10 pandemic in UK

March 2020: UK goes into lockdown

May 2020: Construction work is due to start but cannot because of lockdown

Mid-July 2020: Construction staff on site. Completion of hotel is expected by November 2022.

March 2022: City council agrees FIRST extension for loan with term extended to 31st March 2023. Developer says it had not been possible to start work as planned.

April 2022: Topping out ceremony at Hilton Garden Inn. Hilton Hotels managing director says he expects hotel to be open by January.

February 2023: Website bookings being taken from July 17.

March 2023: Appointment of a head chef and a food and drinks manager is announced. Website bookings being taken from December 17, 2023.

March 13, 2023: Council agrees SECOND extension to loan taking it to the end of 2023.

May 2023: Work on site slowed and then stopped

July 2023: Website bookings now being taken from July 2024.

October 17: 2023: Peterborough City Council announces it has taken developer into administration.

March 2024: Councillors told council has earmarked £10 million in case further investment needed in hotel’s completion. Says if council takes control it would then have the option of selling the hotel after three to five years.

May 22, 2024: Council announces it is to seek approval from extraordinary cabinet meeting on May 30 to submit credit bid to assume ownership of hotel.

October 2024: Administrator Teneo seeks a year long extension to administration period.

January 9, 2025: Sale of hotel fails as would-be purchaser pulls out at 11th hour

September 8, 2025: Spokesperson for Hilton Hotels says the company is still committed to operating at the Fletton Quays building when completed

September 26, 2025: Council leader Cllr Shabina Qayyum says needs of residents must be prioritised over ‘vanity project’ Hilton Garden Inn

September 30, 2025: New report reveals Hilton Garden Inn suffers from pigeon infestation and water damage and was a huge cost to Council Tax payers.

October 2, 2025: Council’s ruling cabinet to be asked to approve marketing and sale of uncompleted Hilton Garden Inn to highest bidder

October 20, 2025: Council Scrutiny Committee agrees to carry on with sale of the hotel.

November 11, 2025: Hilton Garden Inn official goes up for sale. Agents warn buyers will need to spend £14 million to complete building.

January 16, 2026: Deadline for bids to buy the Hilton Garden Inn.

July 23, 2026: Expected completion of sale of Hilton Garden Inn

August 4, 2026: Hilton Garden Inn is sold to Peterborough- based Leisure & Co Hotel Ltd