Pioneering Loughborough University’s heritage to reimagine hotel and conference centre hospitality
The reception feature wall tells the stories of and celebrates the different specialisms which can be studied at the university.
A spectacular new restaurant extension, Fifty The Street, has created a truly iconic destination that appeals throughout the whole day.
Transforming Loughborough’s Premier Hospitality Destination
The challenge: to create a destination that transcends the traditional hotel and conference centre functionality – by fusing commercial opportunity with creative interior design and emotional storytelling. Our goal was not just to redesign a space, but to reframe the guest experience.
Drawing from the university’s twin legacies of engineering precision and fine art heritage, we approached the project as both scholars and creatives—blending form and feeling to reveal a masterclass in thoughtful brand strategy and brand design.
Five Distinct Spaces, One Cohesive Narrative
The result is a collection of five distinct yet harmonious spaces, each one crafted with purpose and layered storytelling. At the heart is Fifty the Street, a bespoke architecturally-built restaurant, conceived by our in-house team—where curated materials, textures, and tones invite connection and a place to truly relax. In the new bar, circular motifs echo the elegant mechanics of engines and the fluidity of innovation, honouring Loughborough’s industrial past in design and technology.
What was a simple and sympathetic architectural evolution of the fascia and entrance has really uplifted and heightened the sense of arrival.
Seemless and Welcoming Guest Arrival
The Reception has been reimagined as a seamless, intuitive welcome. Self-check-in technology is wrapped in warmth and underpinned by an environment that feels both intelligent and human. Throughout, refreshed signage and wayfinding do more than direct; they quietly guide, empowering guests with clarity and confidence.
Every Element Designed for Engagement and Ease
Every design detail at Burleigh Court is intentional, turning each space into a conversation. The result is a living narrative—one that invites guests not only to rest, but to engage with a deeper current of progress. This is no ordinary stay. It’s a quiet transformation—where exceptional customer experience is now truly second nature.
When approaching the brief for Burleigh Court, we wanted to seamlessly blend together the academic heritage of the university and bring contemporary design to the forefront. We are proud to have delivered the final product which is very close to what was originally visualised.
As with any project, there were challenges to overcome, including the hotel having to be kept open and operational during the entire refurbishment process. However, the final space is truly a testament to the whole team working tirelessly together, and we feel we have created a space which not only meets the evolving needs of guests but also serves as a living gallery of Loughborough University’s innovative spirit.
We decided we wanted to change the feel and offer that the hotel was giving across the campus and to the wider business community. We originally engaged Harrison because we were aware of their longstanding reputation in the industry and the work they have delivered over the years for other businesses.
Harrison have truly been a great partner and I’m fortunate to have worked with them throughout the process. They have helped me and the business make the right decisions which has led to a hotel we’re all proud of. Their attention to detail, the way they engage with suppliers and contracts, and how they take ownership of the project has far surpassed our expectations. We are looking forward to working with them again, and this is entirely due to their professionalism, the people, and the quality of the job they delivered.
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Let’s create something unforgettable
Fuelled by knowledge and imagination, we are driven by our ambition to evolve hospitality brands.
