COMMENT: What effect will the hotel boom have on Shoreditch?

In the last two years Shoreditch has launched, or made plans to launch, a series of new hotel developments. Having begun in 2013, the boom will see eight new hotels join the East London district. So what effect will this have on the local community? One of the biggest advantages will be the boost it will have on the area’s economic growth. Head of retail at Stirling Ackroyd, Harriet Gidney, says: "The new hotels in Shoreditch will create more footfall, this will have a positive impact on retail. Leisure operators will also hugely benefit." However, local campaigners are keen to remain vigilant about the effects the hotel boom will have on the local residents and businesses. We spoke with Rachel Munro-Peebles, co-chair of the Shoreditch Community Association (SCA): She says: "We don’t feel that the new hotels will have a negative impact. Our only concern is that we also want the influx of people to be supported by the daytime economy and not just the night-time facilities. We want Shoreditch to be a daytime destination, with diverse, creative, innovative retail and gallery uses at ground level. This will sustain the creative community that exists here, and will keep it unique." Ace Hotel, which launched on Shoreditch High Street in 2013, have made a conscious effort to avoid this happening by immersing themselves into the community. They pride themselves on being based within one of the most creative hubs in London and are keen to continue enhancing it. They have proven this by using local startup businesses on the retail frontage and by sourcing local food and drink producers. Munro-Peebles, believes it is these hotel ventures that will have the most positive impact on the community: "The recent influx of hotels has been a positive one, to name The Ace and The Albion. They encompass what the diverse community is about. Supporting smaller businesses, and enabling businesses to showcase and platform their talents. They create a great spot for the community to hang out and enjoy great coffee and food." The Shoreditch Hotel boom is expected to finish towards the end of 2016, and the list below details which each new hotel will offer: M By Montcalm: Based on City Road, this eye-catching hotel is futuristic in style, and has a total of 200 rooms, costing an average of £250 per night. Z Shoreditch: The recently opened Z Shoreditch, also on City Road, used to be office space but now holds a total of 111 rooms and charges from £70 a night. Old Street Magistrates Court Hotel: An opening date has yet to be announced, however design plans have outlined that this will be a 5 star boutique hotel, with 128 rooms. Art’Otel Hoxton: Planning is currently underway for the Art’Otel, which will be closely located to Hoxton Square. Their agenda will be to develop a stunning 18-storey, 350 bedroom contemporary new hotel. CitizenM Shoreditch Village: Located in the heart of Shoreditch Village, this 185 room hotel promises to offer affordable luxury. Gransevoort Hotel Group: Set for completion in 2016, this swanky hotel based on Curtain Road, will even feature a rooftop swimming pool. Nobu Hotel: Set to launch in the first quarter of 2016, the Nobu Hotel will be based on Willow Street and have around 156 rooms. Ace Hotel: Having opened in 2013, the creative Ace hotel has got completely behind the Shoreditch community and reached out to its local businesses.