Meet the Indian billionaire who spent Rs 13,000 crore to transform London’s old war office into an opulent hotel – It’s not Mukesh Ambani or Ratan Tata

From Mukesh Ambani to Pankaj Oswal, numerous Indian magnates have channeled substantial investments into real estate, procuring premium properties globally. However, standing out is an Indian billionaire who not only acquired a dilapidated building in London but also undertook its transformation into an ultra-luxurious hotel.

As per online reports, this affluent Indian entrepreneur stumbled upon the decrepit structure opposite Downing Street during a morning stroll in London and promptly decided to acquire it. Eager to unveil the identity of this individual? It’s neither Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, nor Ratan Tata. Continue reading to unveil the revelation.

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This Indian billionaire is none other than Sanjay Hinduja. In 2015, he acquired the Old War Office from the British Government and orchestrated its conversion into an ultra-luxurious hotel. As reported by Moneycontrol, the Hinduja family invested a whopping Rs 13,000 crore (1.3 billion pounds) in the venture, comprising an initial payment of Rs 3,973 crore and an additional Rs 9,000 crore over the subsequent eight years, crafting a premium, state-of-the-art hotel replete with modern amenities.

Sanjay Hinduja conveyed, “No expense has been spared in bringing it back to its former glory and paying homage to its heritage, whilst breathing new life into it. Along with Raffles London at The OWO, we hope to create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed,” as stated in The Hindu Business Line.

Sanjay Hinduja, a scion of the Hinduja family, ranks among the wealthiest families in London, with business interests encompassing Ashok Leyland, Gulf Oil Limited, and IndusInd Bank. As per Forbes and publicly available data, the family’s net worth stands at $20 billion (approximately Rs 1,66,027 crore). Collaborating with Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the Hindujas transformed the iconic building that served as Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s office during World War II into an ultra-luxury hotel.

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The Old War Office, originally erected in 1906, was inaugurated as a world-class hotel in 2023. Co-chairman GP Hinduja, in an official statement shared by the Hinduja Group, remarked, “It took us eight years, and in these eight years we had a lot to do, but finally, this iconic building has been converted into peace and solace, not World Wars. It is the legacy not only of the Hinduja Group but London as a great destination.

Everyone who lands in London will first come here to see what it is.” According to a Times of India report, the hotel, owned by the Hinduja family, boasts 120 guest rooms and suites, 85 residences, new restaurants providing signature dining experiences by Chef Mauro Colagreco, a grand ballroom, a separate spa area, a drawing room, and three expansive bar areas.