Cambridge
Double Vision: Transforming Cambridge's Lion Yard into a Dual-Purpose Hotel & Nightclub Hub
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The project involved converting an empty office block with a first-floor nightclub in the Lion Yard Shopping Centre into a Premier Inn hotel. Uniquely, local planners required the nightclub to be reinstated as part of the development.
ESTATELOGIK'S ROLE
Estatelogik served as a key consultant, overseeing power and utility management, coordinating with design teams, and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Estatelogik also had a Client Advisor role overseeing other consultants & contractors throughout the project.
PROJECT SCOPE
The scope included converting the old office space into a Premier Inn hotel, relocating and reinstating the nightclub in the basement, and managing all associated power and communications servicing requirements. Estatelogik was involved from 2020 until the project's completion in 2024.
KEY CHALLENGES
Power management
The original plan to relocate the substation was costly and would sacrifice half of the service yard.
Existing infrastructure
Working in an old shopping centre with limited records of existing services and infrastructure.
Data connectivity
Ensuring timely installation of essential data connections for the hotel.
Nightclub reinstatement
Diverting services that would have gone through the new nightclub location.
Time constraints
Meeting the August completion deadline for the main contract.
Image credit: Premier Inn
Image credit: Premier Inn
SOLUTIONS
Substation Retention
Estatelogik devised a plan to avoid relocating the substation, saving significant costs and preserving access from the existing service yard.
Coordinated Installation
Estatelogik coordinated with Openreach to ensure timely data connectivity installation and negotiated diversion of existing Virgin Media infrastructure.
Expert Infrastructure Navigation
Estatelogik briefed and guided the design team to navigate the challenges of the existing infrastructure.
Creative Service Routing
Creative service routing was implemented, including negotiating to keep cabling above the nightclub to minimise disruption.
Effective Timeline Management
Estatelogik managed timelines effectively, ensuring the project met its August completion date.
BENEFITS & OUTCOMES
Cost savings
Estatelogik's innovative solutions saved the client significant capex.
On-time completion
The project met its August deadline for the main contract.
Space optimisation
Successful integration of a hotel and nightclub in a challenging layout.
Improved asset value
Enabled the conversion of an empty office block into a revenue-generating hotel.
Local planning satisfaction
Met unique requirements to reinstate the nightclub, satisfying planners.
CONCLUSION
Through innovative problem-solving and expert project management, Estatelogik successfully guided the conversion of the Lion Yard Shopping Centre space into a Premier Inn hotel while meeting the unique requirement of reinstating the nightclub. The project was completed on time, with Estatelogik's solutions saving the client significant capital costs.