A stunning new eco-friendly hotel, The Orchard, has opened on University Park.

Designed to complement the University-owned De Vere Venues East Midlands Conference Centre next door, the £20m hotel has been built to the highest environmental standards and includes a green roof, photovoltaic panels, and energy-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems.

The hotel was built on the site of a former orchard. Rare variteties of apple tree, including Nottinghamshire’s own Bramley, were carefully moved to make way for the development.

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Environment and Infrastructure, Professor Karen Cox, said: “The University is proud to open The Orchard as a unique and environmentally-driven addition to our conferencing facilities. It is a beautifully designed complex, funded entirely by the University, and will be available for use by conference delegates, university visitors, businesses and the public. The hotel will aim to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which recognises low-impact buildings that incorporate the best environmental practice. The Orchard underlines our commitment to sustainable architecture and construction.”

The Orchard has 202 bedrooms, a brasserie-style restaurant, bar, terrace, gym and meeting rooms. The design by RHWL Architects was inspired by the parkland setting. RHWL associate Corrie Jones said: “We have focused on minimising the building’s impact through sustainable features and careful location within the surrounding hillside.”

The hotel has roof-top gardens and a glass atrium which is flooded with natural light. A mezzanine provides a stunning area for private hire.

To book at The Orchard, visit: www.deverevenues.co.uk, call 0844 346 1216 or email: emcc@deverevenues.co.uk.