Imago partners with Harrison in £4m Burleigh Court transformation

Imago Venues, part of Loughborough University, has revealed plans to transform its flagship four-star property with a £4.5m investment that will improve the guest experience and deliver a truly fantastic venue for the East Midlands. The plans will significantly increase meetings and conference capacity, as well as introduce a brand-new 140-cover restaurant - 'Fifty The Street' which will serve a 50% plant-based menu - turning the hotel into a true 7-day operation. The current restaurant will turn into a flexible conference and gala space with 225 cabaret capacity and the option of splitting into four smaller soundproofed conference spaces, with delegates having lunch served from the new bar and lounge areas. The plans also add brand new spaces to the existing meeting room stock. The 'Thingamajig Room' is named after a ground-breaking engineering measurement tool that will be on display and so called because the University professor who invented it drew a blank when it came to patenting it, nonchalantly opting for just "the thingamajig". There will also be a new Business Lounge for informal huddle space or private working; a new Sung for quiet space or one-to-one time; plus a new Welcome Lounge that replaces the old reception with a more inviting check-in experience that will encase the Rolls Royce jet engine. Dean Concannon, design director at Harrison said: "The aim of our design at Burleigh Court was to create synergy across the entire venue, whilst ensuring each space has its own identity. Being positioned with access to the talent, facilities, students, and alumni at Loughborough University, there was an abundance of resources at our disposal, making the design much more personal. Each space aims to celebrate a unique part of the venue and the university's history. From showcasing specific parts of a recycled Tornado fighter jet engine - to honour the university's partnership with Rolls Royce - to repurposing 3D print prototypes from a current project in the School of Civil Building Engineering for the courtyard landscaping, the design has history and student involvement written all over it." Spencer Graydon, CEO of Imago Venues, added: "We're delighted to announce this major transformation of Burleigh Court. Our company vision is 'to create a place where people love to be' and this project will deliver that in spades (pardon the pun). We have a really strong business and this investment sets us up to deliver our next 3-year plan that focuses on 2 strategic pillars of People and Planet. It also celebrates our relationship with Loughborough University by recognising the amazing academic and sporting heritage that we have." Work starts in late February and will be completed in 3 phases culminating in a full relaunch in September 2024