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
Working in close collaboration with Imago Venues, we 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.
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 reimagined bar draws subtle cues from its mechanical engineering heritage. Circular forms, layered materials, and precise detailing reference cogs, turbines, and motion, which is a quiet nod to the university’s industrial partnerships with global companies such as Rolls Royce.
What was a simple and sympathetic architectural evolution of the fascia and entrance has really uplifted and heightened the sense of arrival.
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.
Art is woven throughout the building.
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.
Every Element Designed for Engagement and Ease
This transformation goes beyond aesthetics. This is a complete strategic brand and business repositioning that strengthens The Burleigh Court’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.
The Burleigh Court is not simply a place to stay. It is a place to connect with ideas, with creativity, and with the ongoing story of Loughborough University. A vision delivered with purpose designed for 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.
