Hotel Indigo, Exeter
Status / Completion: Completed 2023
Disciplines: Projects, Design, Engineering, Safety
Project Description: This project saw the £40m redevelopment of the former House of Fraser department store on Exeter’s High Street into a 104-bedroom Hotel Indigo. The challenging project involved the complete internal reconfiguration of the building, including the creation of a new 5-storey light well punched through the centre of the building, reworking of internal circulation routes, and an upward extension to form a rooftop bar and terrace. The tight city centre location resulted in numerous construction challenges, whilst the onset of the COVID pandemic added complexity, necessitating the introduction of new project processes to accommodate safety restrictions and supply chain delays.
Our design team had a key role in developing the specification for this scheme. Essentially, we were tasked with ensuring maximum efficiency was achieved from existing open spaces, whilst simultaneously enhancing the user experience associated with a high-end boutique hotel. There were significant structural modifications required to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and to facilitate the creation of new guest facilities. Design consideration had to be given to essential improvements to accommodate the additional operational needs of a modern hotel. This included integrating complex HVAC systems to ensure optimal temperature control, plumbing modifications to enable the installation of individual en-suite bathrooms, and the upgrading of electrical capacity to support guest amenities and back-of-house functions.
In terms of specification, careful attention was given to increased insulation and soundproofing upgrades, necessary to meet acoustic performance standards for hotel use. The transition from a former retail space to a hospitality environment demanded enhanced acoustic separation between guest rooms and public spaces. The preservation of the building’s existing Art Deco façade was a key priority, requiring bespoke solutions to merge the historic architectural fabric with contemporary performance standards.
The project reached practical completion in 2023 and now features 104 high-specification bedrooms, a gym and spa facility, a stylish ground-floor restaurant, a basement sports bar, a rooftop bar with views of Exeter Cathedral, and three retail units at street level. This mixed-use development successfully retained and revitalised the iconic building’s character, safeguarding its legacy within Exeter’s urban landscape. Importantly, the project was delivered on time and within budget despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.