Premier Inn unveils floating hotel plans - PHOTO

Hotel chain Premier Inn has launched proposals for a floating hotel in Hartlepool, to be built by NGM Sustainable developments.

Premier hopes to build the 54-bedroom complex as part of the regeneration of 200 acres of dockland in the area.

The hotel will float vertically with the tide but horizontal movement will be restricted by sleeved piles driven into the marina. 

It will be built on a reinforced concrete transfer slab – cast directly onto four rectangular pontoons made from a concrete/polyglass composite. 

The four-storey superstructure above deck level will be constructed using a lightweight steel panel frame system.

NGM chief executive Kerry W Martin said: “Our technique offers a cost-effective and innovative solution to waterfront development which is a design first for the UK.”

Work will start in spring 2009, subject to planning approval. The hotel will be ready for occupation by early 2010.