Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground

Lancashire Cricket Club's vision to create a cutting-edge sports ground entailed completing the arena by means of enclosure.

When we became involved we saw that we could achieve a similar sense of completeness — for a fraction of the cost — by symmetry, scale, and presence. We designed the 150-guest-room hotel as a futurist, red extrusion, mirroring The Point conference centre in its form and in its relationship with the three-tiered Victorian Pavilion. Together, the three buildings provide a real sense of drama that enhances the arena experience.

Our brand expertise really comes into play in a project like this. We were able to work closely with Hilton to integrate their Garden Inn brand with the client’s requirements and the stadium’s other facilities. And by creating generous terraces for the hospitality areas and spectacular balconies for the guest rooms, we provided the best seats in the house — capitalising on the magnificent views over the cricket pitch.

And we were able to deliver the hotel for the equivalent of just £85,000 per room.