GRADUS FABRICS TRANSFORM VISITOR ACCOMMODATION TO BOOST INCOME FOR HULL UNIVERSITY

Contract interiors specialist Gradus has supplied and fitted a bespoke fabrics package for Hull University, helping to transform its visitor accommodation into a high standard and conveniently located guesthouse and, at the same time, providing an additional source of income for the University.

With nearly 20,000 students and over 1000 staff, the University has recently unveiled its five-year Strategic Plan, which involves a £30million investment in site enhancements, including accommodation facilities. Regularly used as a conference venue, the University was keen to raise the standard of its visitor accommodation.

Two 1930s semi-detached properties, already in the University’s property portfolio, have been converted into a modern 8-bedroom guesthouse, featuring flat-screen televisions and internet access, to provide competitively priced, comfortable accommodation for PhD students, conference delegates and students’ parents.

Gradus delivered a tailored fabrics package for the new guesthouse, which included curtains, nets, tracks and blinds throughout the bedrooms, en-suites and shared living areas, providing the University Estates Office with a complete solution.

Gradus’ Strand design was printed on Eclipse dim out curtain fabric to create a calming ambience in the guest rooms. Curved tracks were used in the bow windows allowing for the property’s period features and lead-weighted nets were selected to provide extra privacy for occupants.

Paul Tennison, the Building Surveyor responsible for the refurbishment works at Hull University Facilities Directorate said:

“We’ve worked with Gradus Fabrics before so we knew they could provide a high standard of product. We were delighted when we found out they also supply blinds and tracking so that they could offer us a complete package which made life a lot easier for us. The result is a year round, home away from home feel with all the comfort and style you would expect from a hotel.”

Commenting on the renovation project, Gradus Fabrics Marketing Manager Pamela Cairns said:

“Hull University is one of the top 2 Universities for international students so it has a lot of visitors, relatives of overseas students, as well as conference delegates. It was vital that the University could offer accommodation to rival that of nearby chain hotels, providing an extra source of income for the University, plus a convenient location and good facilities for visitors.

“Over the years, we’ve supplied fabrics to Hull University for their student accommodation so we were really pleased to be able to work with them on this unique project supplying a wider package of products that help to create a comfortable and attractive environment for guest accommodation.”

The Strand design is a semi-plain texture, available in a choice of 15 colourways including a striking Damson, fresh Mint and a natural Corn shade and is one of several fabrics ranges available from Gradus for educational applications, all of which meet the required flammability and durability standards for the contract market.

For further information on Gradus Fabrics, contact 01625 428922.