Ebrington Hotel
Location: Ebrington Square Derry City
Main Contractors: McKelvey Construction
Client: Ebrington Hotel Limited
Sector: Hospitality
AM Electrical successfully delivered its largest project to date, the electrical package for the £15.5m, four-star deluxe Ebrington Hotel renovation and new build project in Derry. The milestone project also marked the County Tyrone firm’s first hotel venture from the ground up.
Ebrington Hotel is located on the site of a former naval base that first opened in 1841. Known as HMS Sea Eagle during WWII, it was an important part of the North Atlantic Command. The 29-acre site continued to operate as a military barracks until 2003.
The redevelopment project led by main contractor, McKelvey Construction, involved the restoration of the existing Listed buildings – including the iconic Clock Tower building – and the construction of two new building extensions to deliver a deluxe hotel accommodating 91 bedrooms with the potential to increase to 152-room capacity. Also provided was an exquisite function room, contemporary 140-seater restaurant, a range of bars and lounges and opulent spa facilities including a hydrotherapy pool.
The unique and historic setting provided some challenges, as Anthony Feeney, Director at AM Electrical explained, “The project required us to modify the electrical services within two existing Listed buildings and incorporate the two new building extensions. We were installing 21st century systems and technology into a 19th century building structure, so naturally, there were challenges, primarily because the building’s Listed status prevented any alterations or modifications.”
The project scope covered several tasks, such as removing and modifying existing services, installing a steel containment system, setting up new distribution circuits, lighting and emergency lighting. Additionally, it involved small power distribution/adaptation, power distribution to mechanical equipment, CCTV, fire alarm, access control, intruder alarm, structured cabling, television systems, disabled refuge intercom, lightning protection, and the commissioning, testing and verification of installations.
