The project, led by full-service 360 brand and design agency Harrison, has successfully reimagined five key areas of the hotel, creating a vibrant and inspiring space that celebrates the university's rich history and champions its current talent.
The refurbishment, which began in January 2024 was completed in Autumn 2024, and has transformed Burleigh Court into a dynamic hub that reflects its unique position within the Loughborough University campus. Alongside breathing new life into and transforming existing spaces within, the Harrison team undertook the task of creating an entirely new F&B space, with in-house Architect, Alex Grey, and Dan Curran, Senior Architectural Technician and Project Manager, overseeing the construction of a truly spectacular new restaurant extension, Fifty The Street.
Harrison was tasked with creating five distinct spaces within Burleigh Court which would delight and inspire visitors and create an authentic connection. The hotel’s geographical location in the middle of the campus served as inspiration for the design narrative, which tells the stories of and celebrates the different areas of specialisms which can be found at Loughborough, from its world-class engineering department to the fine arts.
Holly Trehearn, Senior Designer at Harrison, comments: "When approaching the brief for Burleigh Court, we wanted to seamlessly blend together the academic heritage of the university and bring contemporary design to the forefront. We are proud to have delivered the final product which is very close to what was originally visualised. As with any project, there were challenges to overcome, including the hotel having to be kept open and operational during the entire refurbishment process. However, the final space is truly a testament to the whole team working tirelessly together, and we feel we have created a space which not only meets the evolving needs of guests but also serves as a living gallery of Loughborough University's innovative spirit."
Dean Concannon, Design Director at Harrison, comments: “This project is a living representation of the relationships we strive to have with our clients, and the results building those strong and close working relationships can achieve. By working collaboratively and understanding not only the long-term commercial objectives but the team’s immediate needs, we were able to put in place a detail phased programme of activity to ensure they could maintain operations and plan for any changes. The Burleigh Court team adapted phenomenally well, whilst also allowing us to execute the transformation and meet key deadlines.”
Spencer Graydon, CEO of Imago Venues, comments: “We decided we wanted to change the feel and offer that the hotel was giving across the campus and to the wider business community. We originally engaged Harrison because we were aware of their longstanding reputation in the industry and the work they have delivered over the years for other businesses.”
“What I really wanted was to be able to start with a blank piece of paper and develop something in partnership with our chosen partner and Harrison have been great to that effect. From day one, they came in and listened to our hopes and ambitions, from there we were able to distil everything down to what we have today – a truly transformed hotel which has the guest at the heart. Their richness of experience means that they can also take into consideration operations, and not only does our hotel work for guests but also for our team, and we have been able to maximise every part of the space. They came in and took a different view to what a conference hotel should be, blowing away all the preconceptions and challenging our own thinking. We wanted the end product to be something which would appeal to a premium market and be the best hotel it could.”
“Harrison have truly been a great partner and I’m fortunate to have worked with them throughout the process. They have helped me and the business make the right decisions which has led to a hotel we’re all proud of. Their attention to detail, the way they engage with suppliers and contracts, and how they take ownership of the project has far surpassed our expectations. We are looking forward to working with them again, and this is entirely due to their professionalism, the people, and the quality of the job they delivered.”
A standout feature of the new design is the incorporation of artwork by fine art students from the University of Loughborough. Works from 11 artists, including current students and recent graduates, are prominently displayed throughout the hotel. The hotel also features university-owned artwork by established artists associated with the institution, including "Blue Abstract" by Avray Wilson in the new extension and pieces by former Loughborough College of Art and Design instructors in the reception area.
True to the original concept, the design draws inspiration from Loughborough University's renowned engineering programs. The hotel bar showcases circular elements reminiscent of wheels, cogs, and engines, paying homage to the university's strong partnerships with industry leaders like Rolls Royce. The refurbishment has introduced several new features to enhance the guest experience. A redesigned reception area includes a new self-check-in system seamlessly integrated into custom joinery, offering a streamlined arrival experience while maintaining the warmth of personal service. Additional enhancements include updated external illuminated signage incorporating the hotel's rebranding and improved wayfinding to complement the refurbishment and enhance the customer journey throughout the hotel.
One of the most intriguing additions to the hotel is the "Thingumajig" room, which houses a unique artifact from the university's engineering department. Guests can learn more about this piece of university history by scanning a QR code in the room, linking them to a dedicated webpage.
"Burleigh Court now stands as a gateway to the Loughborough experience," Holly explained. "We've curated a space that not only caters to visitors but also educates them about the university's lesser-known jewels, from cutting-edge engineering to vibrant fine arts programs. The 'Thingumajig' room, for instance, embodies our approach to this refurbishment - a perfect blend of heritage and technology, offering guests a tangible connection to Loughborough's illustrious history while embracing modern, interactive experiences."
As Burleigh Court Conference Centre and Hotel enters this new chapter, it stands as a testament to the innovation, creativity, and collaborative spirit that defines Loughborough University. The refurbished spaces not only cater to the needs of conference attendees and hotel guests but also serve as a living showcase of the institution's past, present, and future.