London & South East

Carlisle Street conversion

Carlisle Street Hotel

A £9.5 million project to convert an industrial building into a contemporary 79-bedroom hotel is currently taking shape.

Located at 10 Carlisle Street, the base2stay Soho project comprises the conversion of a five-storey 19th century building and the erection of a brand new extension.  In addition to guest bedrooms, the building will also include meeting rooms and ancillary areas. A bronze statue – designed by renowned artist Hew Locke – will also be installed over the main entrance of the hotel.

Work began on the project in August 2011. Blenheim House Construction is the main contractor and Peter Clack is the project manager. Building Services Group is the mechanical and electrical consultant and Muir Associates is the structural consultant.

Architectural services are being supplied by ADAM Architecture with Aaron Evans Associates acting as Executive Architect on behalf of Blenheim House Construction.

In order to accommodate the new extension, the existing building is undergoing a complete strip-out and modification programme. The extension is being constructed using a post-tensioned concrete frame and internally will comprise a mixture of brick and block work.

As part of the modification of the existing building, a number of internal spine walls will be removed and new lifts and staircases will be installed. In order to facilitate this phase of the project a number of internal structural strengthening works will take place.

Features of the hotel will include Sedum green roofing, air conditioning and double glazed windows with safety glass. In addition, security and detection alarm systems will be installed.

In keeping with the traditional concept of base2stay hotels, guest rooms will contain a mini-kitchen that includes a fridge, microwave, kettle and sink. Each room will also include an interactive directory that provides guests with a guide to local services and facilities.

Additional features of the hotel will include HDTVs, free internet access, bathrooms, a daily maid service and a 24/7 reception and concierge.

Extensive planting will take place around the site once the main construction work is complete.

Work on the project is currently focused on constructing the extension and completing the design work for the Portland stone facade, which is being formulated by Robert Adam of ADAM Associates.

As the base2stay project is being constructed in a designated conservation area within the city, all of the works are being conducted with great care and attention.

Blenheim House Construction Project Design Coordinator, Martin Knibbs, said:

“Internally the hotel will be modern in style, however the external design is in the progressive classical style with a Portland stone facade at the main entrance, rusticated brickwork and copper and zinc roofing. This is also a feature building in a high profile area of London so every effort is being made to ensure that the completed hotel complements the surrounding architecture.

“We’re currently on schedule and we’ve not encountered any major problems.

“Blenheim House Construction is involved in a lot of projects in Central London – especially in areas of the city and the West End where access can often be restritcted. This is something that we’re known for being very good at and our clients seem to recognise this and trust that we will complete each job to the highest quality, on time and to budget.”

base2stay Soho is scheduled for completion in April 2013.

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