CGI Zeal Hotel ESP — Photo by Zeal Hotels
L:R Graham Sturge (RED Construction Group), Dr Sally Basker (ESP), Tony Clark (Zeal Hotels), Tim Wheeldon (Zeal Hotels), cllr Sara Randall Johnson (DCC), Simon Lousada (Lousada Plc) and Melanie Sealey (DCC) — Photo by Zeal Hotels
Source: Zeal Hotels

Zeal Hotels has signed an Exclusivity Agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the hotel, which will be managed by Valor Hospitality.

The upscale lifestyle property, which is due to open in Q4 next year, is aiming for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, with a target of Outstanding. Solar panels will ensure that the hotel will generate all the energy it requires.

The final pieces of our plan to create the first net zero carbon branded hotel are coming together and we are thrilled to be starting work on this innovative and highly sustainable project. Tim Wheeldon, managing director, Zeal Hotels

Exeter Science Park is located close to junction 29 of the M5, providing a base for a number of science, technology and engineering companies. The hotel is expected to welcome guests using Exeter Science Park, Exeter Business Park and Exeter Airport, as well as guests travelling to Devon and Cornwall, all of whom will be able to use the hotel’s EV charging points.

Locally-sourced food and beverage will be a focal point of the hotel operation. The property will also feature a meeting room and gym.

Hospitality has been lagging behind other industries in its commitment to net zero carbon and we are looking forward to welcoming guests to join us on our journey. A fundamental requirement in the design of our new hotel is that it can be replicated and we are now seeking additional development opportunities in strategic locations throughout the UK, added Wheeldon.

It's very exciting to see work begin on Zeal's innovative, 'mindfully modern’ highly-sustainable, low-carbon hotel that will complement Exeter Science Park's existing net zero carbon buildings.

This collaboration launches the next phase of growth at Exeter Science Park and we anticipate there will be great synergy for both organisations, with Zeal bringing many benefits to our businesses, which will be reciprocated through the Science Park providing facilities, such as meeting spaces, for Zeal Hotel residents.

We're delighted to build on existing success to deliver an innovative, low-carbon destination that supports the development of a vibrant, STEMM community delivering extraordinary growth for our south-west region. Dr Sally Basker, chief executive, Exeter Science Park Limited

It's excellent news that Exeter Science Park has been chosen as the home for this pioneering development and it matches our net zero carbon ambitions in Devon. The vision of the Science Park has always been to encourage innovation and sustainability, and that's exactly what this exciting project provides. Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills

About Exeter Science Park

Exeter Science Park is the south west’s centre of activity for businesses in science technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). It is committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive; giving them access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentoring and connecting them to a network of companies with similar aspirations. It was established in 2013 as a result of a vision to develop a science park in the south west to stimulate a knowledge-based economy, delivering better jobs, higher productivity and economic growth.

For further information, please contact Sue McQueenie at McQueenie Mulholland, [email protected], 01392 423060.

About IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 18 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,900 in the development pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About Valor Hospitality Partners

Valor Hospitality Partners is a leading global full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With 90 hospitality projects in its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting.

About Zeal Hotels

Established in 2012, Zeal Hotels has the specific aim of acquiring strategic hotel sites, developing the hotels and maintaining ownership of the assets. Motivated to reduce a hotel's carbon emissions through the construction process, as well as operations, Zeal Hotels has launched a new brand, targeting carbon net zero, with the first UK site acquired at Exeter Science Park to be operated under a franchise agreement with IHG. Zeal Hotels is actively seeking further development opportunities. Learn more at www.zealhotels.com.

Emily Newman
NewDog PR
Zeal Hotels