Keppie’s long history of sensitive design has found its latest expression in proposals, currently before Salford City Council for planning approval, to create an underground hotel in the historic Buile Hill Park in Salford.

The centrepiece of the plans is the regeneration of a Georgian mansion designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, and built at Buile Hill in 1825 for the first mayor of Manchester.

Buile Hill mansion, which has lain empty since 2000, lies near the highest point of Buile Hill Park and enjoys superb vistas over the city. Using the topography of the site, only the hotel bedrooms will appear above ground. By placing swimming pool, bars, restaurant and function rooms underground and linking them to the mansion at basement level, the result will be a small-scale and discreet building which respects the open green setting of the park. The restored historic building appears untouched and surrounded by gardens, yet in reality is an integral – and most luxurious – part of a much-needed, modern and high quality hotel.

Keppie’s design rejects pastiche in favour of simple modern elegance, honesty in the use of materials and an overall sense of restraint. The proposal, backed by Salford City Council and led by local rugby league club chairman John Wilkinson OBE, is a response to the rapidly advancing regeneration of Salford, in particular the Media City buildings which are making a significant impact. The Council has applied for Heritage Lottery Funding to upgrade the park in tandem with the private development of the hotel.

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