The Bavarian American Hotel – a landmark Cold War building which once housed judges and prosecutors at the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals – is set to reopen as a Renaissance-inspired Park Plaza hotel.

British architects Scott Brownrigg have drawn on the lives of local cultural icons, including painter Albrecht Dürer and explorer and globe-maker Martin Behaim, to “bring a fresh energy” to the Bavarian city.

The hotel, which has amenities supplied by spa and skincare brand Elemis, includes a fitness centre with a sauna and fully-equipped gym.

The building – which also once housed US Army soldiers and served as the first base of military Radio AFN – is located opposite the 19th century Nuremberg Central Railway Station, near the city centre.

The 177-guestroom Park Plaza hotel will open there in Q2 2016. The interiors will draw from renaissance art, architecture and philosophy, combined with a modern, contemporary design feel.

A wine bar will also feature, while a restaurant will serve international food and Bavarian specialities – including gingerbread, locally brewed beers and Nuremberg Bratwurst.