Reignwood Group, a name well known in the hospitality and real-estate industries in China, is about to make its mark in London. A launch announcement provided details of Ten Trinity Square, a development that will encompass a 98-key, 5-star hotel as well as 41 residences and a private members’ club. The group is expanding this division in the United Kingdom, and further lifestyle and hospitality acquisitions are expected.
This past July, Reignwood appointed hotelier Grace Leo as vice president of Reignwood Investments UK. The founder in 1989 of GLA Hotels and famed for a portfolio of projects which included luxury properties such as The Cotton House, Mustique, and The Cadogan, London, Leo will play a pivotal role in Reignwood’s redevelopment of Ten Trinity Square.
“The chance to be a part of the team launching a heritage building in the financial capital of the world and working alongside such a visionary investor is a rare and unique opportunity,” Leo said. “I am delighted to be spearheading the revival of such an important London landmark.”
The historic former Port of London Authority building is located close to the city’s financial center and directly across from the Tower of London. It was acquired by Reignwood in 2010 via a joint venture with Singaporean property investment company KOP Properties in a deal Reignwood subsequently bought out in 2012. The building is undergoing a meticulous restoration and redevelopment with completion scheduled for 2016.
Founded in Thailand in 1984, Reignwood Group is a global Chinese enterprise with headquarters in Beijing. Under the chairmanship of Thai-Chinese entrepreneur Chanchai Ruayrungruang, the company is active in several market sectors, and one of its core business lines is the provision of luxury lifestyle products and services. Earlier this week, Reignwood International purchased 1,103 acres (446 hectares) at the Princeville Resort in Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai for US$343 million, according to Pacific Business News.
The company’s Reignwood Lifestyle is a diversified portfolio that includes hotels and resorts, golf courses, health and wellness centers and luxury residential properties. It has been a key part of the group since Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Resort, China’s first by-invitation private golf club, opened for play in 2001. The current hospitality portfolio also comprises The Fairmont Beijing Hotel, among others.
HOTELS contributor Pippa Isbell provided this report.