Grand Hotel
Hickman & Smith were appointed as architects for the conservation and restoration works to The Grand Hotel as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones project.
The Grade II listed building was designed by Cecil Ogden and Amos Hall and built between 1897-98 by Orson Wright and is one of Leicester’s most prestigious hotels. Under the plans, the original fabric of the building will be carefully revealed and repaired to restore the character of Granby Street and drive regeneration in the area. The shopfronts that line the hotel will be reinstated as close to the building’s original design as possible, using a sustainable hardwood timber and toughened glass. New retail units and hotel entrance will also be created. High level stone detailing will be conserved and restored, recessed doorways and delivery entrances will be fitted with bespoke iron gates and traditional mosaics, and uniform signage will be introduced, in keeping with the building.
Location: Leicester, UK
Client: Leicester City Council
Status: Stage 5 Construction
Value: £1.5 million
The approachability of Adam, David, and their colleagues was very helpful for us. It was useful to have their take on our ideas-validating them or where they felt necessary challenging them. This was done in a constructive way.
My experience of Hickman and Smith could not have been better. The result of their effort is just terrific.
Outstanding service. Professional and innovative. Listened to our wishes. Great results. David and Adam provided a very professional service throughout our project.
They were innovative in their approach and suggested a range of design and layout options that my wife and I had not even realised would be possible.
We used Hickman & Smith for our project. They came up with a number of ideas to create the space and feel we were after. David Gladstone was unfailingly patient. Fees were fair and transparent.
No hesitation in recommending to others.
My go to architects for any project of any size.
Brilliant from day one to completion.
Hickman and Smith have creatively designed us a comfortable 3 bedroom home including very usable rooms with storage upstairs where we only expected a loft space.
The end result is a very special ‘forever’ home in a lovely rural setting.
A picture tells a thousand words, and seeing our project come to life in the virtual reality suite knocks the spots off a thousand pictures.
It is clear to see exactly how Hickman & Smith Architects are converting our vision into reality.
