BSP Consulting

The plans drawn up by Corporate Architecture Ltd, included alterations and an extension to the building, which have converted former empty offices into a new place to stay in the city. The hotel offers 28 double and twin rooms including a top floor Junior Suite.

Two empty office buildings in Peacock Lane and New Street, adjacent to the site of the car park where King Richard III’s remains were discovered, have been converted into the 28-bedroomed St Martins Lodge.

Richard III was buried more than 500 years ago following his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. His remains were discovered by archaeologists in 2012 underneath a Leicester City Council car park. The king was reinterred in Leicester Cathedral in 2015.

Working with the design team, contractor, conservation officer and archaeologists, BSP Consulting devised a scheme of repairs and strengthening of masonry panels and timber floor joists in order to withstand increased loadings, we also provided design support for new openings.

A new three storey lift shaft was designed to be constructed in a very small internal courtyard area. A single storey penthouse was added to the upper storey of the building utilising replacement timber joists and steel supports along with a new timber framed panelled external wall system.

Detailed repairs helped to keep the project on programme.