Zeal Hotels submits plans to launch its first sustainable hotel in Exeter

The UK-based hotel developer, Zeal Hotels, submitted plans to East Devon District Council to develop a sustainable hotel at Exeter Science Park under its brand. The 142-room hotel will be the first of many sustainable Zeal hotels to open around the UK.

The development, which a privately backed, will be operated by a third-party management company. Confirmation of the hotel’s operator is expected to be announced within the next two months.

The property is the culmination of many years of work by Zeal Hotels and the Managing Director of Zeal Hotels, Tim Wheeldon.

Tim said: “We’re incredibly excited to be one step closer to bringing this project to life. We call it ‘Mindfully Modern’, and we intend to create an industry-leading sustainable hotel brand without compromising on the guest experience and comfort levels. The proposed development seeks to incorporate an innovative, low carbon building and operation standards, to be independent of the electricity grid.”

The hotel aims for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, with a target of Outstanding. It will feature; meeting rooms, a restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, and more than 25 electric car charging points.

Exeter Science Park is adjacent to J29 off the M5 Motorway and less than a mile away from Exeter airport. It is the perfect combination of a lifestyle and business hotel in the region.

Tim Wheeldon added: “Exeter has a global reputation for being at the forefront of sustainability, from the research at the university’s sustainability centre to the recent progress on a hybrid aircraft. It will be inspiring to be located in Exeter Science Park, sharing space with cutting-edge technology and the UK headquarters of the Met Office.”

“The sustainability challenge we are facing is enormous. Although we are a small cog in a vast wheel, our issues have resulted in ESG & sustainability becoming the most prominent team event we have ever seen.

Collaboration is vital at this stage, and our planning documents are available for download on www.zealhotels.com.

Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park Limited, said: “Zeal's innovative, 'mindfully modern' approach promises to deliver a highly sustainable, low-carbon hotel that will complement Exeter Science Park's existing net zero carbon buildings. This collaboration will create a destination that is low-carbon by design and helps innovative science-based companies to deliver extraordinary growth for our south-west region.”

The Zeal ‘In the Lobby’ newsletter will be published & distributed every month – please sign up to receive the regular update on progress.