Accor Hotels has signed a franchise agreement with Focus Hotels adding 10 hotels to its network of Mercure properties in the first quarter of 2011
Accor Group Expansion
Leeds Museum Refurbished
Thackray Museum (grade II listed) in Leeds has celebrated its 150th year in operation by refurbishing its conference auditorium which can hold up to 130.
New Leeds Hotel Announced
London Venue Refurbishment Announced
New London Hotel Venue
University Of Leicester Announces Venue Plans
The University of Leicester has announced a £14m project to transform a Grade II Listed building into a leading residential conference venue. The University is planning to transform the five-acre former College Hall site in Knighton, which has not been used since 2005, into a high quality 117 en suite bedroom conference facility with break out rooms, dining facilities and 150-seat lecture theatre. Subject to planning permission, it will be the first time in the University’s history that an all-year round conference facility is available- currently residential conferences are only able to be held at University facilities during the holidays. It would also allow the University to dedicate tailored facilities for academic and business conference needs. The proposed development, designed by Associated Architects of Birmingham, will mean that all inward investment for conferences would be able to be considered which would generate additional income to contribute to the development of the University.
The announcement comes just weeks after the University of Leicester opened its £17 million refurbished Percy Gee Students’ Union building and announced its intention to develop a:
– £30 million Medical teaching building
– £12.6 million Cardiovascular Research Centre
In total the University has invested £50 million in the last three years alone and the University has an anticipated capital investment programme of over £200m over the next few years. Funding for the proposed development is from a variety of sources including loans and reserves allocated for capital development.
British Library Refurbishment Unveiled
Westminster Collection Expansion
The Westminster Collection is pleased to welcome two new members, 1 Drummond Gate and The Law Society to its ever increasing portfolio. 1 Drummond Gate is a brand new venue for etc. venues and will be their ninth venue in Central London following their recent opening in Paddington. The venue will have 11 high specification naturally lit rooms with a large private garden courtyard. Situated in a prominent building on the junction of Drummond Gate and Vauxhall Bridge Road, the venue is adjacent to Pimlico underground station and a short walk from Victoria and Westminster stations. The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. From negotiating with and lobbying the profession’s regulators, Government and others, to offering training and advice, the Law Society helps protect and promote solicitors across England and Wales. Located in Chancery Lane, within close proximity of Kings College London, it is just a five minute walk to Chancery Lane underground and a 10 minute walk to Holborn underground station.