Located on St Mary’s Gate, the project reimagines an underutilised covered car park beside an existing residential tower to create a 126-bedroom IBIS hotel in the heart of Sheffield. The brief was clear: deliver a commercially efficient, high-quality hotel that strengthens the surrounding urban environment while integrating sensitively with neighbouring residential uses.

We were initially appointed to provide architectural and interior design services to Stage 4a, taking the scheme through design development and tender. Working closely with the hotel operator, we immersed ourselves in the IBIS brand to understand how it shapes guest expectations, operational flow, and spatial planning. From arrival experience to bedroom layouts and back-of-house coordination, we translated brand standards into a design that feels clear, efficient, and welcoming.

We created a strong principal entrance on St Mary’s Gate, positioning reception and restaurant spaces to animate the ground floor and establish a confident street presence. Kitchen, storage, servicing, and loading functions were carefully coordinated within the constrained urban site to ensure smooth day-to-day operation.

Appointed by contractor J Tomlinson to deliver the scheme on site, we maintained design intent and brand integrity through to completion.

The finished hotel transforms a previously inactive space into a vibrant hospitality destination, supporting the local economy and enhancing the everyday experience of the city for guests and neighbours alike.