Greyfriars Hotel
Conversion of listed school buildings into a luxury hotel within Colchester’s cultural quarter
- Location
- East
- Client
- OMC Investments Ltd
Purcell was commissioned to develop design proposals and submit Planning and Listed Building applications for the conversion of three adjoining buildings within the Colchester Town Centre Conservation Area: The Grade II*-listed Greyfriars and the Grade II-listed Hillcrest and All Saints House. The buildings, used for educational purposes since 1908, have been converted into a 21-bedroom hotel with a bar, restaurant, function room, offices and a staff flat.
A set of detailed architectural drawings was needed for submission to show how the Greyfriars building would be developed. The project had to adhere to the development brief prepared by Essex County Council and Colchester Borough Council and required close dialogue with English Heritage. Additional heritage, transport and arboricultural statements were required.
The hotel furthers aspirations for the regeneration of Colchester Town Centre, increasing hotel provision in the town. Alterations included a glazed entrance foyer within a single-storey extension, improved access via a new, three-storey entrance and the partial demolition of modern outbuildings and boundary walls. The car park was re-landscaped and internal alterations were made to timber panelling and other existing fabric.
Location: Colchester
Client: OMC Investments Ltd
Listing: Grade II*, Grade II
