Today’s news in brief – 8/3/24
Whitbread and its development partner, Olympian Homes, have received planning consent from Bristol City Council to transform the site of the Bristol City Centre (Haymarket) Premier Inn. The approved plans entail the redevelopment of the 20-storey building from the 1970s into two new structures, offering 132 co-living homes and 442 purpose-built student accommodation bedrooms. Notably, the project aims to revitalise the area by dedicating one-third of the site’s ground floor to public open space, connecting Bristol Bus and Coach Station to Broadmead. Richard Pearson, development manager for Whitbread, highlights the strategic move to redevelop the site, acknowledging the end of the current building’s operational life and the opportunity to invest in sustainable housing solutions while releasing capital for further business growth. The existing hotel will continue to operate during the planning and development phases.
The Shap Wells Hotel, nestled within Shap Fells, has been listed for sale for the first time in two decades for £2.95m. The property, boasting 108 bedrooms, conference suites, and 15 acres of land, presents an attractive investment opportunity. With its prime location between the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales, the hotel attracts both leisure and business guests. Julian Troup, head of hotels agency at Colliers, emphasises the hotel’s popularity among tourists and its potential for hosting events and celebrations. With its proximity to major access roads, the hotel remains easily accessible, further enhancing its appeal to prospective buyers.
Inhabit Hotels celebrates its newest property, Inhabit Queen’s Gardens in west London, receiving B Corporation (B Corp) certification. This achievement follows the hotel’s commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement since its opening in May 2022. From repurposing materials and partnering with social enterprises to offering eco-friendly amenities and wellness programs, Inhabit Queen’s Gardens exemplifies a holistic approach to hospitality. Vera Bruntink, sustainability manager of Inhabit Hotels, underscores the brand’s dedication to continuous improvement in sustainability efforts. Samantha van Exter, head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection, acknowledges the ongoing journey toward sustainability and invites guests, partners, and the community to join Inhabit Hotels on this conscious path.
Graduate Hotels has announced the renewal of its partnership with The Boat Race Company, solidifying its role as the official hotel supplier and supporter of the iconic boat race between Oxford and Cambridge universities. As part of the partnership, Graduate Hotels will host on-site event experiences and crew team dinners at Graduate Cambridge and The Randolph Hotel. Siobhan Cassidy, chair of The Boat Race Company, expresses delight in the continued collaboration, highlighting the alignment of Graduate Hotels’ commitment to creating memorable experiences with the essence of gathering and connecting intrinsic to the event. Kevin Osterhaus, president of Graduate Hotels, looks forward to contributing to the rich tradition and excitement of The Boat Race, further enhancing the guest experience and fostering lasting connections.
