BAM secures major contract at St James Quarter’s W Edinburgh
10 May 2022
NUVEEN Real Estate has appointed BAM Construction Scotland to deliver the interiors of W Edinburgh at the heart of the £1 billion St James Quarter.
BAM will be responsible for fitting the 244 guest rooms and public areas across the three buildings that make up the hotel.
During the pre-construction period, BAM revealed that its team has already closely involved its supply chain in the process of creating ‘key packages’ that identify and minimise risks, while enhancing the project’s buildability.
Keppie Design has been appointed delivery architect by BAM to integrate its design solutions and assist with full 3D co-ordination.
The hotel will offer 244 guest rooms, including 42 suites and one Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite). The rooftop will feature a SUSHISAMBA restaurant with its blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture and cuisine as well as an outdoor terrace offering 360-degree views of the Scottish capital’s historic skyline.
Other areas include W Lounge (the W brand’s spin on the hotel lobby), a signature restaurant, a W Sound Suite (the brand’s take on a writer’s room and music studio), FIT® – a workout facility – and an AWAY® Spa.
Jim Ward, regional director, BAM Construction Scotland, said, “This is a prestigious, striking, and high-quality development for Scotland. BAM’s work on the Johnnie Walker Experience and V&A Dundee shows we have the pedigree and credentials to deliver such ambitious schemes.
“During the pre-construction period our team has brought our customary collaborative approach to bear in helping de-risk and develop the design while forming a strong relationship with our partners. It is going to be as exciting to build as it will be to stay here when we complete our work.”
The 1.7 million sq ft city centre development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate features over 80 retail brands, accompanied by a mix of restaurants and bars, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a 75-bed Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn apartments being built by Native Land, and a 1,600-capacity car park.
Edward Webb, director of development management at Nuveen Real Estate, added, “We are delighted with the appointment of BAM, and excited to be moving forward at pace with the interiors of W Edinburgh. The hotel is a complex fit out across three very different buildings and architecture, and the experience of BAM will ensure the highest quality and efficiency can be delivered to enable the hotel to open in late 2023.
“W Edinburgh will redefine the city’s hospitality scene with its design, signature amenities and full calendar of immersive W Happenings to complement the festival city.”
Designed by Jestico + Whiles, in conjunction with lead scheme architects, Allan Murray Architects, the W Edinburgh is said to feature a ‘striking’ exterior façade, evoking the ‘festival spirit’ of the city. Crafted from a winding bronze-coloured steel ‘ribbon’, the design has been likened to spirals of paper, a reference to the many printing presses which used to pepper the surrounding area
W Edinburgh is due for completion in late 2023.