Old WHSmith in Hammersmith Livat Shopping Centre becoming 180-bed hotel – here's why Dutch firm is so good

CityHub, a Dutch company specialising in affordable pod-style accommodation, will move into the former WHSmith in the Livat shopping centre in Hammersmith following a vote by councillors this week (June 10).

The hotel brand, which already operates premises in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Rejkavic, is described in planning documents as filling “the gap between a hostel and a hotel without compromising on quality”.

While the space will be run by CityHub the applicant was Ingka Centres UK Hammersmith B.V, which purchased the Livat Shopping Centre on King Street in 2020.

Unit 18, which CityHub will be taking on, was occupied by WHSmith until August 2020. Since then it has been used on a temporary basis by a smaller retailer.

No external alterations will be made under the plans. As well as 89 rooms, including nine accessible ‘hubs’, there will be communal toilets and showers plus public spaces such as a bar and a kitchen.

According to planning documents: “Rather than individual rooms, there are ‘hubs’ which include a king-size bed alongside space to store luggage and clothes. CityHub has shared facilities and spaces including communal bathrooms and ‘hangout’ area comprising a reception, lounge and self-service kitchen area. These communal areas are designed for people to work or relax.”

There was one objection from a resident living in Ashcroft Square, a development above the mall, querying the need for more hotel space and the potential noise from construction.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council officers had recommended the proposal be approved ahead of last night’s Planning and Development Control Committee meeting, writing the loss of the retail use would be justified and would “enhance London’s visitor economy”.

There were no questions from members following the officer’s introduction at last night’s meeting, with the item proceeding straight to a vote.

The committee unanimously agreed the proposal.

A spokesperson for Ingka Centres said: “At Ingka Centres, we’re always thinking about how our spaces can do more for the people and communities who use them. Livat Hammersmith is already an important part of the local community, and we’re excited about how it can keep evolving to meet the needs of those living, working and spending time in the area.

“We believe in creating places that are welcoming, sustainable and full of life – whether that’s through future developments, partnerships or community programming – and we’ll keep looking at ways to make sure Livat continues to be just that.”

CityHub was approached for comment.

Also on King Street is the council’s major Civic Campus project, which includes a refurbishment of the town hall as well as new homes and amenities such as a cinema.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed earlier this year the intention is to have the entirety of the construction done by October, with a council spokesperson confirming the plan is for it to be complete before the end of 2025.

It was also recently revealed that Curzon is “in negotiations” with Hammersmith and Fulham Council over the new cinema, after it submitted a premises licence requesting to operate the site at the Civic Campus.