The Edge Hotel, University of Essex

Building area 14,165m2 (refurb) 1,700m2 (new-build)

Contract period 2009 – 2011

Project value £7m

The Edge Hotel is a four-star hotel and conference facility conceived in partnership between The Edge charitable trust and The University of Essex; it offers FE and HE courses in Business Management and Hospitality. Students studying here spend 80% of their time gaining valuable working experience in the hotel – spending the rest of their time in workshops and lectures.

The project saw the restoration and sensitive extension of the existing Wivenhoe Park House – the Grade II Listed wartime home of the SAS – with the creation of a new wing to accommodate 24 flexible bedroom suites and an elegant and flexible garden pavilion.

At ground floor, a new Conference Centre, Gallery and Brasserie take advantage of the surrounding views across the restored terrace, Sunken Garden and Vegetable Garden.