Construction company Stepnell has started work on a multi-million pound project to refurbish Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic Falcon Hotel.
The Grade 2*-listed hotel in Chapel Street, in the heart of Shakespeare’s birthplace, is being given a major upgrade by its owner, the St James’s Hotel Group.
Construction company Stepnell has been appointed to carry out the sensitive refurbishment programme which will fully preserve the historic heritage of the distinctive three-storey building – parts of which dates back to the early 16th century – while also extensively refurbishing it and creating state-of-the-art new facilities. Designed by Warwick-based Hitchman Stone architects, the project includes the installation of air conditioning and the creation of a new restaurant bar and lounge as well as a new kitchen, gym and meeting room.
Careful phasing of the work will enable the hotel to remain open throughout the refurbishment programme which is due for overall completion in 2018.
Stepnell construction director Bill Haynes says: “Our team have a strong record of working on historic buildings and will draw on that experience as we deliver this stunning refurbishment programme for the Falcon Hotel. We are extremely pleased to be working with the St James’s Hotel Group to deliver improvements which will both preserve the character of this landmark hotel and deliver thoroughly modern accommodation and facilities for its guests.” The Stepnell team possesses extensive experience of working in ‘sensitive’ locations and in occupied settings, with the focus always on ensuring that the construction process creates the minimum possible disruption.
Nicholas Crawley, managing director of St James’s Hotel Group, says: “This hotel is very important to Stratford and its community with a rich and vibrant history. We have confidence that Stepnell has the necessary experience and sympathy for historic buildings to help us preserve the hotel’s heritage and local charm while bringing its facilities into the 21st century.
“Stepnell is working closely with our management team to ensure that disruption to our guests and neighbours is kept to an absolute minimum. Stratford deserves the very best in hotels and through this major investment we look forward to unveiling our fantastic newly enhanced hotel.”
Stepnell is currently working on the first phase of the refurbishment, the historic restoration of the original black-and-white Tudor oak framed building and a neighbouring Georgian building. The second phase will involve the transformation of a 20th century building which houses more than 60 of the hotel’s rooms.
