Claridge’s Subterranean Extension

The subterranean extension of the grade II listed Claridge’s Hotel, London. Works included the formation of a new six storey basement constructed below the existing 1930’s art deco building. The hotel remained fully operational throughout the 36 month construction period, which posed many logistical challenges. The project was a world first involving the construction of a large-scale deep basement beneath an iconic super luxury hotel whilst it continued to trade. The works involved extremely complex bespoke engineering approaches including extensive hand excavation which required twenty-four seven working by miners. The existing ten storey above ground structure was suspended in its temporary condition using a hydraulic levelling system until the complete permanent structure was in place. Over 400m of hand dug and jacked horizontal tunnels were excavated below the existing foundation to each of the sixty one caissons which each comprised a thirty five metre deep hand excavation.

Fit outs included Claridge’s spa, gym, pool and back of house support services which were competitively procured and proceeded concurrent with the completion of the basement and the installation of the building’s MEP. The new basement includes plant space, back of house facilities, kitchens and a new two level luxury spa. Procurement comprised negotiation and competitive tendering of key contracts to maximise value for money which were successfully managed for the hotel coming into use. Rainey & Best provided Quantity Surveying, Project Management & FF&E Project Management services throughout this project.