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In January 2023 we completed our Premier Inn Hotel in Keswick, which is proving highly popular with visitors.
Built from local materials and measuring 27,802 sq ft, the 71-bedroom hotel with car parking for 29 cars is built on the site of the former Ravensfield Residential care home at High Hill.
Premcor director, Simon Hawkins, was heavily involved in the development from the outset. He said:
“Firstly, we had to find a site for Premier Inn who had a longstanding requirement for Keswick. We then negotiated the purchase of the site and began the process of gaining planning consent, which in a sensitive area like this, was challenging.
“As Keswick is located within a Conservation Area, we not only had to ensure we used the correct local materials, sympathetic to their setting – locally quarried natural slate roofing and Lakeland stone walling – we also had to ensure we met Premier Inn’s exacting specifications throughout.
“We appointed GMI Construction to build out the scheme for us. It was a fast-track programme and they did a fantastic job along with several local subcontractors. We are very pleased with the finished product.”
It was a special development for Whitbread marking the completion of its first Premier Inn hotel within the Lake District National Park. Twenty-five new roles were also created and promoted to residents of Keswick and the surrounding area.
Commenting on its first year of trading, Jill Anderson, property acquisition manager for Whitbread in the north of England said:
“The hotel has experienced strong and consistent trading since it opened its doors with guests travelling from across the UK and further afield to enjoy the Lake District.
“We have received encouraging feedback from them, highlighting their satisfaction with the accommodation we provide, the wonderful welcome from our teams and the overall good value Premier Inn guest experience.
“The success of our Keswick hotel has reinforced our confidence in similar locations across the north-west of England and we are actively exploring opportunities for new sites that share the characteristics and appeal that Keswick has demonstrated.
“Premcor and both the external and internal teams worked hard to design a building which was fitting of its location on one of the main entrance routes into Keswick. They engaged with planning officers at the Lake District National Park, other stakeholders and members of the community to help create a sympathetic design and an active frontage onto High Hill.
“It is not uncommon for developments of all types to face initial concerns or objections. While there was nervousness and some objections from residents during the planning phase of the Keswick hotel, the reception changed as teams worked towards opening and the new hotel started to take shape.
“People noticed how we sought to channel the benefit of our operation locally and respected that we were following up on the statements we made at the planning stage to spread the opportunities we create locally.
“The design suits its setting and the finishes work well against the natural colours of the Lake District. It’s a good impression of what we are seeking to do in other similar locations in the Lake District.”
