Pioneering Loughborough University’s heritage to reimagine hotel and conference centre hospitality
Transforming Loughborough’s Premier Hospitality Destination into a genuine centre of excellence
Working in close collaboration with Imago Venues, we completely reimagined Burleigh Court as a living expression of the university’s spirit rooted in heritage, shaped by innovation, and designed around experience. The ambition was simple but exacting: to transform into a guest journey that feels intuitive, engaging, and quietly memorable.
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.
Five Distinct Spaces, One Cohesive Narrative
Inspired by Loughborough’s twin academic strengths of engineering and fine art the design unfolds across five distinct spaces, where each space builds a multilayered story. The newly created restaurant, Fifty the Street, sits at the centre. With a sustainable design ethos, it reflects a modern approach to guest dining that is thoughtful, progressive, and grounded in purpose
The Thingumajig Room
Intrigue and Curiosity also plays an important role. The Thingumajig Room, is home to a striking engineering artefact from the university, introduces elements of intrigue and play. It bridges past innovation with present day experience, giving guests something unexpected to discover and talk about.
We collaborated with 11 fine art students, curating original works that transform corridors, lounges, and shared spaces into evolving galleries. The result is a hotel that actively supports emerging talent while reinforcing its connection to the academic community it serves.
A sympathetic architectural evolution of the fascia and entrance has uplifted and heightened the sense of arrival.
Designed for Engagement and Ease
Functionality and a quality guest experience are carefully balanced. The reception has been completely redesigned to feel open and welcoming, with self-check-in technology seamlessly integrated into a warm, welcoming and homely space. Wayfinding, lighting, and signage work together to guide guests effortlessly, creating a journey that feels natural rather than directed.
A hotel transformation which goes beyond aesthetics
This project is a complete strategic brand and business repositioning that strengthens The Burleigh Court Hotel’s role within a competitive hospitality landscape. The refurbishment has already delivered double-digit like-for-like growth for Imago Venues proof that clarity of vision, when executed with care, delivers real impact.
Burleigh Court is not simply a place to stay. It is a place to relax and connect with ideas, with creativity, with the ongoing story of Loughborough University. Delivered with purpose and designed around the guests who pass through it.
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.
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. 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.
