The Grove Hotel, Watford


Axima Building Services Ltd has recently completed a contract that returns the historic Grove estate at Chandler's Cross in Hertfordshire back to its former position as one of the most fashionable places in England to stay. The house was reopened in September 2003 as the centerpiece of the Grove: London's Country Estate which includes 211 guest bedrooms, 16 suites, 23 conference rooms, four restaurants, three bars and indoor banqueting facilities for up to 500 people, as well as, a spa and health club, and a 18-hole golf course.

The building services for such a project were extensive and Axima Building Services was awarded the design and build contract for the new extension totalling over £10.5 million. Following an initial design period, during which the client's particular requirements were incorporated, the services installation commenced in January 2002 with a 21-month programme. Mechanical services included air conditioning, heating, public health and fire protection; together with, a building management system which serves the whole site. Axima worked in partnership to provide the electrical services installation comprising HV/LV distribution, lighting, power, fire-alarms, security systems, as well as TV and data cabling. The guestrooms have the benefit of wall mounted plasma TV screens together with DVD and CD players, and a writing desk with data ports, giving high-speed internet access.

In the eighteenth century, the house belonged to the Earls of Clarendon and was visited by every aspiring politician and socialite of the day. The guests included Queen Victoria, Edward VII, Horace Walpole and the prime minister, Lord Palmerston.