POST Luxembourg unveils concept for future "Hôtel des Postes" project - POSTGroup

POST Luxembourg unveils concept for future "Hôtel des Postes" project

14 July 2020

POST Luxembourg has unveiled the concept for the new "Hôtel des Postes" project, chosen for its ability to enhance the value of this emblematic building, and for which POST has found an ideal partner in the ARTEA Group. Aiming to open its doors to the public in 2023, the future use of the building, which will remain POST's property, will focus on catering, retail, wellness and coworking.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Claude Strasser, Managing Director of POST Luxembourg, presented the transformation and conversion project for the Hôtel des Postes, located on rue Aldringen in Luxembourg, in the presence of Lydie Polfer, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, and Philippe Baudry, CEO of Groupe ARTEA, co-investor and future operator of the project.

As part of the relocation of POST Luxembourg's headquarters from the Hôtel des Postes to the Gare district in Luxembourg, the conversion of this emblematic building is a priority in the POST Group's real estate strategy. Following a call for ideas launched in 2015, from which no concept could be selected, a few months ago POST finally entered into a partnership with the French real estate group ARTEA, presenting a coherent project in terms of both architecture and allocations.

As part of this collaboration, POST and the ARTEA Group are co-investors in the conversion of the Hôtel des Postes, with POST holding 51% and ARTEA 49%. The building, which will remain wholly owned by POST Luxembourg, will subsequently be operated by ARTEA.

The architectural concept for the Hôtel des Postes, a listed national monument located in a UNESCO protected area, was entrusted to Romain Schmiz architectes & urbanistes, based in Luxembourg. The new general concept for the project was developed by Geraldine Dohogne, a London-based interior designer renowned for her work on the "1898 The Post" hotel in Ghent, Belgium, a project which, given the building's origins, is very similar to that of the Hôtel des Postes in Luxembourg.

While the chosen project aims to restore and sublimate the cultural and architectural value of the Hôtel des Postes, it will also restore its original appearance, notably by removing the metal structures that close off the inner courtyard, as well as the central wing that separates it. Completion of works, which will take around 2 years, is scheduled for 2023.

The final use of the Hôtel des Postes must be in keeping with this cultural and architectural heritage, and the total surface area of 8,600 m2 will be distributed as follows: the first floor, with its inner courtyard, will house a restaurant, bar and shops, as well as the lobby of a new-generation Lifestyle hotel. The spaces on the first to fourth floors will be 75% hotel and 25% coworking space. The basement will be dedicated to wellness areas, independent of the hotel and open to the public.

At the press conference, Claude Strasser, Managing Director of POST Luxembourg, emphasized: "The Hôtel des Postes remains the property of POST. Our main ambition is to ensure that this emblematic building is restored to its former glory, as imagined by its creator, the architect Sosthène Weis, in 1905". He added: "I want the Hôtel des Postes to become an integral part of the capital's public space, so that as many residents and foreign visitors as possible can enjoy this Luxembourg architectural gem."

Lydie Polfer, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, commented: "The Hôtel des Postes has always been one of the architectural jewels in the heart of the capital. Thanks to its conversion, the Hôtel des Postes will not only contribute to the attractiveness and enhancement of the city center, but this national-scale project with a cultural, economic and tourist vocation will stand out for its innovative concept, unique in Luxembourg City, enabling citizens and visitors alike to enjoy the building's various uses."

(Source : POST Luxembourg, 14 juillet 2020)

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