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From Sleepless Nights to a Good Night’s Sleep
The Story of Hub by Premier Inn Old Bailey
TUESDAY 8th September 2026, 1800 for an 1830 start
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The Institution of Structural Engineers,
47-58 Bastwick Street, London EC1V 3PS
The nearest tube stations = Barbican [8 mins walk] and Old Street [10 mins walk]
We are delighted to welcome Luke Bray and Aidan McGrath, of Axiom Architects LLP, to introduce us to the regeneration and conservation challenges of the conversion of a cherished City of London building into a bustling central hotel. The project was the outstanding winner of the Regeneration and Conservation Award at the Constructing Excellence London and South-East Awards 2026, on 9th July.
This conservation-led adaptive reuse project transformed a Grade II-listed former police station into a 212-bed Hub hotel, balancing heritage protection with modern requirements on a challenging city centre site. The project preserved key elements such as the original Snow Hill building, rear façade and historic reading room, adding innovative anti-vibration and acoustic measures without compromising the original structure. The design aligns with the City of London’s Cultural Mile, creating a curated route featuring artworks that interpret the site’s history. This regeneration enhances public value through sensitive conservation and technical ingenuity.
Our Speakers
LUKE BRAY
Partner, Axiom Architects
Luke studied Architecture at the University of Wales, Cardiff, and has over 20 years' experience in Architectural practice, with extensive work across residential, educational, hospitality, and heritage projects. Schemes include works to Grade I Listed buildings and many adaptive re-use projects bringing neglected buildings a new lease of life.
AIDAN McGRATH
Associate Partner, Axiom Architects
Aidan is an experienced designer who has worked on a diverse range of projects since achieving his degree in Architectural Technology, including both new build and conversion projects. His recent projects feature notable hotels and mixed-use schemes in Canary Wharf and the RIBA Shortlisted hotel and residential scheme on Camden High Street.
LinkedIn: @axiom-architects-llp
Web: axiomarchitects.co.uk
Instagram: @axiomarchitects
References
Catch background information at:
Whitbread PLC
https://www.whitbread.co.uk/whitbread-opens-the-doors-to-flagship-hub-by-premier-inn-hotel/
The UK’s Poshest Premier Inn; Metro
https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/11/uks-poshest-premier-inn-opens-inside-historic-former-london-police-station-26830858/
Constructing Excellence London and South East Awards 2026
https://constructingexcellence.org.uk/constructing-excellence-london-south-east-awards-2026/
Social Media
Please post about the event using:
#lcecAI #lcecEvents #ArtificialIntelligence #ConstructingExcellence
LI: @london-constructing-excellence-club
X/T: @LondonConExClub
IG: @londonconstructingexcellence
BS: @londonceclub.bsky.social
LCEC members and non-members are all welcome
