Commercial, Hospitality

The Royal Hotel

HAVING REMAINED VACANT FOR OVER A DECADE, JOHN PARKER ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE OF CREATING A VIBRANT AND MAJESTIC SPACE THAT PAID HOMAGE TO THE BONES OF THIS ICONIC BUILDING WHILE ALLOWING IT TO TELL THE STORIES OF ITS PAST.

Set over 1,000m2 and to a fixed budget, we worked closely with John, the design team and consultants to provide buildability advice and add value whilst maintaining the design intent. From tender to first day on site, works were being undertaken to the base build which continued eight weeks into our twelve week programme, requiring flexibility to ensure John could open at his set date.

Workshops were held with our subcontractors to provide alternate finishes that met programme and budget constraints whilst still delivering a high quality finish which honoured the beautiful design and met operational needs. We worked closely with our joinery subcontractor to create the space needed within the bar areas whilst still maintaining compliance. Templates of the bar areas were made and set out on the floor to provide full visibility and enable all the stainless steel for the internal sections of the bar to be made within this set out. Test patches of paint enable Millieu to make to perfect choice of heritage colour palette including the darker shades above the picture rail to define the ceiling space.

On the ground floor, two bar areas, restaurant, amenities, main kitchen including the installation of a dumb waiter to enable food service throughout the venue were created. Specialist finishes were undertaken to allow the heritage features and the bones of the building to shine, maintaining its integrity. Custom joinery created booth areas and bars that feel like part of the original fabric of the building.

On the first floor, the building’s history as a hotel is told through the separation of spaces that were originally rooms but now encompass an office, karaoke room, trilliards room and part of one of the bars circulation space. The private dining room sits at the heart of the building. A new area was created to provide space for amenities and back of house space. An additional bar and separate lounge enable bookable areas and are all encased in a wraparound balcony.

Client

John Parker

Project Designer

Milieu Creative

Services Consultant

AlphaZeta