Earlier this year, the voco Zeal Hotel, the UK’s first branded net-zero carbon hotel, opened its doors at Exeter Science Park, marking a major milestone in sustainable development and hospitality. Now fully operational and already the recipient of multiple awards, this pioneering project stands as a proud achievement for everyone involved, including DPP, who provided planning support from inception to completion.
On behalf of Zeal Hotel (Exeter) Ltd, DPP secured reserved matters planning consent for the scheme and continued to advise throughout the build period.
Designed by ECE Westworks Architects, the four-storey, 142-bedroom hotel brings together innovative sustainability measures and high-quality design. Located within the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, it enhances the offer at Exeter Science Park and supports the growth of the wider STEMM-focused business community.
Key features of the development include:
- Use of sustainable materials
- Building-integrated photovoltaics
- Triple-glazing, airtight construction, and ventilation with heat recovery
- A landscaped public realm that supports local biodiversity
- On-site renewable energy generation which has resulted in the building generating more energy than it consumes
The project has already won a number of awards, including:
- Michelmores Property Awards – Leisure and Tourism Project of the Year
- Insider South West Property Awards – Sustainable Project of the Year
- BREEAM Awards – Best New Construction
Speaking about the successful completion of the project, Tom Molyneux-Wright, Associate Director at DPP, commented:
We are proud to have supported Zeal Hotels in delivering this landmark project. From early planning through to the recent signage appeal, our role has been to navigate the planning process in order to help our client realise their bold vision and seeing the hotel now open, operating to net zero standards, and supporting the local economy is a fantastic outcome. It’s been a privilege to work collaboratively with Zeal, ECE Westworks, RED Construction Group, East Devon District Council, and many others to help make this a reality.
Commenting on DPP Planning’s role in the successful delivery of the project, Tony Clark of Zeal Hotels said:
Great working with the DPP team who fully embraced what we were trying to achieve with our net zero hotel. They worked tirelessly on our behalf during quite elongated discussions with the local authority.
This project not only demonstrates what is achievable within the hospitality sector but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable and commercially viable development, perfectly suited to its setting within the Exeter Science Park. DPP congratulates Zeal Hotels, the design and delivery team, and all partners involved in bringing this pioneering project to life.
Images: ECE Westworks, IHG and DPP
