Webb Gray has that winning feeling with Whitechapel hotel

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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Webb Gray has that winning feeling after completing a major hotel project in London’s East End, just in time to welcome visitors to the 2012 games.

The Birmingham-based architectural practice was awarded the £5 million contract by Accor Group to develop a 169-bedroom ibis budget hotel on Whitechapel Road, London. A former office tower block was transformed into the budget hotel, which has achieved BREEAM Very Good status. The privately-funded, developer-led scheme saw Webb Gray handle everything from the initial feasibility study to the full internal fit-out.

David Delaney-Hall, director at Webb Gray, said: “We are pleased to confirm that the 30-week project was completed within budget and in time to welcome guests heading to the London games. Hotel rooms in the capital are at a premium with the events about to begin so the recent completion of the ibis budget hotel is perfect timing for visitors seeking good quality accommodation at a modest price. The hotel was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Tower Hamlets on 29 June.”

Thomas Dubaere, managing director of Accor UK & Ireland, said: “Last September we announced a change to our ibis offering to boost each brand’s visibility and market potential. The rebrand is a reinvention of Accor’s economy hotel products and services so they can transcend their market segment and cater for the changes in consumer expectations.

“Ibis budget London Whitechapel is the first new hotel in the UK to feature the new, state of the art cocoon style bedroom concept with LED-lit showers and touch-sensitive reading lights, which aims to provide an affordable, ergonomic design solution for the low cost hotel segment. A variety of rooms are available for one, two or three people.

“The new ibis budget London Whitechapel hotel is situated in the capital’s up and coming East End – an area which we expect to provide huge growth potential in the coming years.”

Work on the ibis hotel began in October 2011 and was completed last month (June). The developer and contractor on the project was London-based Bamfords Trust PLC.
Accor UK & Ireland is part of Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, with more than 4,400 hotels in 92 countries.

Birmingham-based architectural practice Webb Gray has completed a broad range of projects from the largest commercial developments to smaller works, covering new build and refurbishment in every sector.

Daniel Fountain / 26.07.2012

Editor, Hotel Designs

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