Lancaster architects land £250k contract to extend Lakes hotel

An architecture practice based in Lancaster has been chosen to oversee a £250k extension of a hotel in the Lake District.

The project, won by Harrison Pitt Architects, will see the firm working on five new bedrooms at Hipping Hall, the Grade II-listed property in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.

A director at Harrison Pitt Architects, Richard Parker, said: “We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of jobs we’re picking up in the leisure and hospitality sector, especially in the Lakes which has always been a national hotspot for tourism trade.

“We’ve worked on a number of projects at Hipping Hall, including the original upgrade works to the historic building in 2005, and more recently the addition of a conservatory and luxury suite, so the new works will fit in with the look and feel of the hotel.”

To accommodate the expansion, the venue’s owner, Andrew Wildsmith, purchased a stables building located next to the main hotel.

Richard continued: “The designs will tastefully restore the building while maintaining the stables’ original features and character, by using high quality finishes that complement the existing structure.”

Upon completion, the work will boost the hotel’s occupancy provision by 50%, bringing its room count to 15 and allowing it to cater for larger corporate events and weddings.

Hotel owner Andrew commented: “With confidence in the economy on the up, the leisure and tourism sector has seen a heady recovery so business in the Lake District is booming.

“Since opening the hotel 10 years ago, we’ve maintained high occupancy levels and demand continues to grow so it makes good business sense to invest in the extension and expand the business.”

The development is the sixth that Harrison Pitt Architects has carried out for Andrew, who also runs The Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere and The Ryebeck hotel and restaurant in Bowness. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the month.