As the city’s first hotel, opening in 1834, The University Arms holds a special place in the history of Cambridge, and has become a well known landmark in the city centre, overlooking the open green space of Parker’s Piece.
The hotel has undergone several updates over the years but the latest transformation is the most ambitious, as it aims to reflect the unique heritage of the hotel whilst bringing the interiors and facilities into line with 21st century expectations of a world class establishment.
Architect John Simpson is well known for his work on heritage buldings including Buckingham and Kensington Palaces, and having worked on several other sites in Cambridge has a local knowledge which has helped him to come up with a design that merges with the original hotel buildings and surrounding architecture.
Gone are the uninviting 60’s and 70’s extensions and in their place is a stunning neo classical building which not only increases the footprint of the hotel but will serve as the new entrance.
Central to the design is a port cochere which will not only improve the aesthetics but also has a practical purpose. It will improve traffic flow and enable guests to drop off and pick up their cars under cover and take advantage of valet parking.
Leading interior designer Martin Brudnizki brings his signature blend of quality and playfulness to the interiors, as seen in his previous work at many top restaurants and hotels, includuing The Ivy, the Soho Beach House in Miami, and his most recent work at the Beekman in New York.
With 192 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, gym, library and conference facilities the hotel aims to provide a world class backdrop for your stay.
Address: Regent St, Cambridge CB2 1AD
Phone: 01223 606066
HUNCH
To celebrate the local history of the area, the hotel has commissioned a public art project by local artist Emma Smith, with the focus on Parker’s Piece.
Entitled ” Hunch “, the project traces a history of local prophecy from the Roman era to the present day, and incorporates a programme of public activities with a final oracle performance by Emma at Parker’s Piece in the autumn.
The theme is future prediction and foresight and Parker’s Piece has a long tradition as the site of numerous hunches and insights, including the invention of football rules and the advent of the motor car.
The Hunch exhibition highlights these and Emma is collecting future wishes, predictions and imaginings from local residents to share in the final display.
To add your prediction and read more about the project visit hunch.exchange
