Case Study – Albion Hotel, Cardigan

Fforest approached IRP to deliver a new hotel in Cardigan including 12 bespoke rooms of accommodation, restaurant, bar & dining area and all associated ancillary space.

We were appointed to provide Project and Cost Management services from a very early feasibility stage including budget estimating & cost planning, management of a competitive tender process and contract administration (NEC 3 – Option A).

The scheme was a full refurbishment, excluding final fit out, of a Grade II listed maritime waterfront warehouse, part funded by Development Bank of Wales. We initially conducted a feasibility study to inform budget decisions and to support the successful funding application. We then led the design team through a design refinement exercise, ensuring at every step that proposals aligned with stringent conservation requirements while remaining compliant with Building Regulations.

The development was very bespoke in its aim to emphasise the building’s heritage and unique features – while crafting individually bespoke rooms, providing contemporary style and service.

Striking a balance between conservation, compliance and design ambition was particularly challenging on this project which required us to work very closely with the client from feasibility stage through to completion to ensure that their expectations were met while still achieving technical, regulatory and funding requirements.

Developing a good relationship with the contractor during the construction phase was also key to achieving this balance.

The hotel opened in August 2022 and has been a huge success story for the local area and was named Welsh winner of The Times and Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Stay in 2023 awards.’