Recently opened in the heart of London’s British Film Industry and Theatre-land, Leicester Square, is the W Hotel, the UK flagship of the lifestyle brand and industry innovator group of hotels. Constructed on the site of the former Swiss Centre, the hotel exhibits a translucent glass façade which includes a light installation by Jason Bruges that changes color according to the time of day, atmosphere of the area or happenings within the hotel or city.

The interior design concept of the W is the dual personality of British culture, buttoned up and formal by day and free-spirited and uninhibited by night. Fireplaces and chesterfields, muted tones and conventionality are side by side with disco-balls, chrome, glitz and glamour and all that is new in cutting edge design.

Being planned also is the opening of the St. John Restaurant and Hotel in nearby Chinatown by Chef Fergus Henderson and business partner Trevor Gulliver on the space of the former Menzis restaurant and hotel.

Leicester Square and the surrounding areas are currently undergoing a serious transformation in order to bring it up to date and create a destination for Theatre lovers, tourists, local residents and businesses. In particular, the local authorities have deemed this essential with the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games. Plans include replacing the existing run-down box office with an impressive new building as well as new paving stones, lighting, bronze railings and modern landscaping.