Plans for the extensive refurbishment of Novotel London West in Hammersmith have been unveiled at EIBTM, the trade event for the conferencing industry held in Barcelona last month.

Work has already got underway on upgrading the ground floor of the 630-bedroom property as part of the scheme, which is designed to establish the property as one of Europe's leading conference and convention hotels. The project includes the upgrade of the hotel's existing restaurant and lounge bar, as well as the addition of a second restaurant and a new cocktail bar. Meanwhile, the Chablis Suite will be completely redesigned, including the installation of floating, sound-proofed walls.

When complete, the Chablis Suite will be capable of holding conferences and events for up to 500 people, while the hotel's exhibition and reception space will have a capacity of 1,000 people. The final stage of the refurbishment will see the hotel's exterior signage and cladding upgraded.

General manager Michael Sloan said: "When I came to Novotel London West in April 2007, the hotel was already a successful venue for corporate accommodation and events of all sizes. However, we were all aware that the hotel had more potential and with this forthcoming investment, we will be able to compete at a higher level. Sloan added that the plans for the scheme have been finalised, although full details and timelines are expected to be revealed ahead of the International Confex event at Earls' Court in February.