Hobson House Cambridge


Hobson House, built in 1901 and located on St Andrew’s Street, sits on a site associated with the charity founded by Thomas Hobson, the 17th century Cambridge philanthropist from whom the phrase ‘Hobson’s Choice’ derives. Over the years, the building has functioned variously as a workhouse, a gaol for the university, a police and fire station and, more recently, as council offices.

Hobson House existing exterior
Designed for client Henley, and operating under the Rogue City Hotels brand, this 57 all-suite luxury boutique hotel and destination tea room has been sensitively designed with key features of the Grade II Listed Hobson House preserved, restored and opened up to the public for the first time in decades.
The design respects the important original spaces without significant alteration, whilst new build elements woven into the existing fabric will provide a visual lift to the character of Downing Place to the rear.

We have proposed that the unique covered courtyard, the former Drill Yard, will be enclosed to become a destination tea room and eatery in the very heart of the hotel, creating vibrancy and social interaction for both guests and local neighbours.
The original ornate entrance hall and principal stone staircase will be retained and repaired to their former glory, alongside the first-floor Chief Constable’s Office which will also be restored with the existing timber panelling and bold ceiling pattern fully repaired. The building’s original stained-glass windows, ceiling plasterwork and wood panelling will be restored throughout.

The exterior façade on St Andrew’s Street will be cleaned using methods that are appropriately sensitive to the stone exterior, to activate and ‘open’ the ornate and historic frontage and welcome visitors into the site.
“Hobson House is an architectural gem located in Cambridge’s historic city centre, with many fantastic original features local people may be unaware of. We are looking forward to working with Henley to give the building a new lease of life, not only helping to serve the needs of the city’s many visitors, but also preserving and restoring Hobson House for the local residents to embrace and be truly proud of.”
- Client
- Henley
- Location
- Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Status
- Planning secured 2019
- Uses
- Hotel
- Size
- 57 keys
- Visuals
- Studio Moren