Premier Inn & Retail Units, Lewes

Set in the market town of Lewes, this mixed use development provided numerous challenges for the client and construction teams to overcome.

From the planning stage through to commencing on site the client’s team had to navigate through the planning stage, listening to interested parties and consultants and producing a design that would enhance the local townscape.

After planning permission was granted the team then had to work within tight budget constraints and high specification requirements to meet the Whitbread Group requirements.

The works included the demolishing of the existing two storey Magistrates Court and the construction of three retail units to ground floor and a 61 bed Premier Inn to first and second floor.

The new structure founded on CFA piles, has a structural steel frame to ground floor, an in-situ concrete floor slab to first floor level, this then carry a timber frame to the first, second and roof levels.

The exterior is clad with brick incorporating feature bands, sections of flint walling and a section of wall hung tiles. These chosen materials mirrored similar historic buildings within Lewes.

Although this project overran and had challenges, the team have produced a scheme that looks impressive and blends well within the surround area. It is our desire that this is a scheme that the whole town can be proud of.