Multi-million pound Premier Inn scheme in Leeds completed

A new multi-million pound Premier Inn hotel in Leeds has been handed over five weeks ahead of schedule by Clegg Construction.

The company, which has its headquarters in Nottingham and offices in Leeds and Cambridge, was the main contractor for the scheme at the Arndale Centre in Headingley, Leeds.

The £6.2m contract was completed on behalf of Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust (SREIT) and involved the redevelopment of the 1960’s vacant office block, Arndale House.

Designed by Whittam Cox Architects, the scheme comprises 4,000 sq ms over nine storeys, and saw the Clegg Construction team create an additional floor at roof level.

The project provides 98 ensuite bedrooms alongside a lobby area, kitchens, restaurant and improved parking for the centre. A new façade, which incorporates Premier Inn branding, has been fitted to the exterior of the building.

Premier Inn has confirmed 45 jobs will be created and bookings are now being taken.

The hotel, which is situated close to Headingley Stadium, University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, began to welcome guests in January 2018, in line with Premier Inn’s planned opening.

Simon Blackburn, Clegg Construction’s managing director, said: “Being within a live retail environment, the scheme presented logistical difficulties so the site team is to be congratulated for handing over the scheme five weeks ahead of schedule.”

Clegg Construction has previously completed £1m of work at the Arndale Centre. During 2017, the Yorkshire office also handed over an £8m student accommodation scheme for Empiric in Sheffield and the £6.2m HQ for OE Electrics in Wakefield.