This new-build 85-bedroom Premier Inn, complete with a restaurant and bar, was developed for Whitbread PLC with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and long-term operational resilience. Designed to achieve BREEAM Very Good, the project exceeded the Part L Target Emissions Rate by over 30%, demonstrating a commitment to low-carbon design.
March Consultants Ltd provided full MEP design, cost control services, and site supervision, ensuring that all systems aligned with Whitbread’s stringent operational and future maintenance requirements. The project required close collaboration with Whitbread’s consultant team to meet an exceptionally tight and immovable construction programme while maintaining the highest design and compliance standards. Despite significant site constraints, the MEP strategy was carefully engineered to maximise serviceability and long-term reliability.
The heating and cooling strategy incorporated a high-efficiency VRF heat pump system, providing zoned climate control throughout the hotel. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) was integrated to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining optimal indoor air quality. The commercial kitchen design was developed in strict accordance with DW172 and TR19 standards, ensuring compliance with best practices for ventilation, air quality, and fire safety.
A Trend Building Management System (BMS) was implemented to oversee HVAC and lighting control, optimising energy use while streamlining ongoing maintenance. On-site renewable energy generation was incorporated through a solar PV system, contributing to the hotel's sustainability targets. Electrical systems were designed to accommodate TV/SAT installations, security systems, IT infrastructure, lighting, and a fully compliant fire alarm system.
Acoustic performance was a key design consideration, requiring close collaboration with the project’s acoustician to ensure strict adherence to Whitbread’s exacting noise criteria. Given the constraints of the site, achieving this level of acoustic performance was particularly challenging, but solutions were carefully integrated to maintain guest comfort without compromising space efficiency or system functionality.
By delivering a highly coordinated and technically refined MEP strategy, March Consultants Ltd played a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of this Premier Inn, balancing programme constraints, long-term maintenance strategies, and site limitations while meeting Whitbread’s high standards for energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and operational resilience.
