The five-star hotel will shut on September 30 after unsafe concrete was discovered in the historic building

The Grosvenor Estate has said that securing the long-term future of the historic Chester Grosvenor Hotel is now its “priority” after the shock announcement that the famous hotel will close in September. A spkesperson said proposals are being drawn up to renovate the landmark Eastgate Street hotel and to appoint a new operator.

Bespoke Hotels, which presently runs the Grade II hotel, told Cheshire Live on Thursday afternoon that it will close the hotel on September 30. The decision follows the discovery of potentially unsafe concrete above the function suites of the building, which dates from 1865.

A representative for Grosvenor, which holds the freehold of the hotel, said: “We are sorry to acknowledge that Bespoke Hotels has taken the decision to cease operating the hotel following its summer closure, and for the impact this will have on those whose roles may be affected. Our priority now is to ensure the long-term future of the hotel given its importance to Chester.

“As an organisation steeped in the history of (the) city and that is deeply committed to its long-term success, we are developing plans for a major refurbishment supported by significant investment and the appointment of a new operator. The refurbishment will protect the future of Cheshire’s only five-star large hotel, strengthening Chester’s tourism and hospitality economy.”

Cheshire Live reported yesterday afternoon that Bespoke Hotels had told staff about the closure plans, with one member of staff telling the title that the team was “heartbroken”.

Bespoke Hotels told Cheshire Live: “Following the recent discovery of RAAC above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.

“As a result, it is our intention to close the hotel on 30th September 2026. Our immediate focus is on supporting our colleagues in the weeks ahead.

“We closed our conference suites after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) during recent surveys. The safety of our guests and colleagues is of the utmost importance and the affected area will remain closed as a precaution. All other public areas of the hotel, as well as the car park, are unaffected and continue to operate as normal.”

A letter sent to staff by chief operating officer Richard Grove, which was seen by Cheshire Live, said: “Following the recent discovery of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.

“As a result it is our intention to close the hotel on 3oth September 2026. We recognise that this decision will be deeply upsetting and may lead to the loss of jobs for many colleagues, and will impact our customers and guests, that you have given great service to over many years.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and it is in no way a reflection of the performance of the team. We fully appreciate the impact it will have on you and your families. Our immediate focus is on supporting you through this process, and we will be sharing further information shortly about what this means for you and support available.”