“Be Our Guest!”

Pavenet was appointed as the principal groundworks and external works contractor for the construction of a new 10-storey Travelodge hotel located on a constrained triangular site on Stanhope Road, directly opposite Portsmouth’s main train station. This central location posed significant logistical and engineering challenges from day one, including limited access, live infrastructure, and historic risks.

Our works were split into three core phases, with return visits timed around the main structural build of the hotel:

Phase 1: Enabling Works & Site Preparation

Vegetation and scrub clearance across the site

Environmental and ground contamination risk assessment, required and approved prior to excavation

Demolition and removal of existing retaining walls and legacy foundations

Liaison with SSE to coordinate the safe diversion of high-voltage cables running through the site

Site surveys including:
Topographical survey, Service location survey, UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) survey due to the area’s WWII history

Phase 2: Substructure & Piling Support Works

Coordination and support for piling contractor operations

Installation of: Pile caps and pile mat, Temporary and permanent crane base foundation to support 10-storey stair core installation.

Ground-level preparation works to facilitate the steel frame construction and vertical build

Phase 3: External Works & Completion

Full return to site following superstructure and envelope installation

Construction of: External hardscaping, including paving, kerbing, and landscaped finishes,
Drainage infrastructure, including connections to existing sewer systems,
Access roads and pedestrian walkways,
Car park construction beneath the building, including sub-base preparation, surfacing, line marking, and signage,
perimeter works, such as fencing, lighting bases, and external furniture provisions

External finishes were finalised, and final inspections are carried out. This new Travelodge will serve as a key hospitality offering in the heart of Portsmouth’s transport hub.