The proposed refurbishment of London’s Savoy Hotel is expected to be complete this year.

The £100m ($160m) renovation project is being led by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and Reardon Smith Architects.

The hotel was closed in December 2007 with the intention of re-opening in May 2009, but the date has been deferred due to a series of delays.

The Grade II-listed landmark hotel is managed by the Canadian firm Fairmont, which did not confirm if the project was still on budget.

Removal of the scaffolding around the Thames-side is underway, some rooms have been completed and a glass dome has been installed over the Thames foyer.

The project is hailed as the most expensive hotel renovation project in the UK.