edyn has announced the acquisition of a site that is part of the University of Cambridge’s development of Eddington, which will become the latest location for its boutique aparthotel brand, Locke.
The 18,814 sqm development, which is due to open in the summer 2021, will become the eleventh Locke in Europe (based on its existing pipeline), continuing the rapid expansion of the brand since its first opening, Leman Locke, in 2016.
The aparthotel, which was designed by Sterling Prize-winning architects dRMM, will comprise 180 keys, with studio to one and two bedroom apartments, a restaurant, cocktail bar, coffee shop, retail space, co-working facilities, meeting rooms and an event space.
The site is part of the first phase of the University of Cambridge’s development of Eddington, serving as a focal point for the new community. The mixed-use destination will include 3,000 new residential units, retail facilities, a doctor’s surgery, community and performance arts centre, sports pitches, parklands, a school and student accommodation, as well as academic and research facilities.
Stephen McCall, CEO of edyn, said: “Eddington will become a thriving destination which will compliment Cambridge’s rich and diverse community with its tradition of curiosity and discovery. We will position Locke in the centre of that ecosystem of commerce, learning, innovation and community. We are excited to be investing in this important destination, one of the biggest centres for knowledge in the world.”
Furthermore, also in the Eddington development, and co-habiting with Locke, edyn has entered into an agreement to develop and operate the first Hyatt Centric Hotel in the UK. The 150-room Hyatt Centric Cambridge is expected to open in 2021.
Cambridge is the latest addition to the Locke pipeline and follows the forward purchase of a prime hotel development project in Munich in December, that is due to complete and open in the Autumn this year. Munich will be edyn’s largest Locke to date, standing at 360 keys as well as five food and beverage outlets.
Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director at edyn, said: “Our recent acquisitions in Cambridge and Munich are aligned with our plans for expansion of the Locke brand across the UK and Europe. We look forward to continuing this momentum as we receive strong demand for our pioneering approach to hospitality.”
edyn is targeting gateway cities across Europe as part of its expansion plans, with six Locke openings confirmed for 2020 including three sites in London, two in Dublin and two in Munich. A number of acquisitions sustain its active pipeline, for example with sites planned in Berlin and London (opening 2021), Lisbon (opening 2022) and Copenhagen (opening 2023).
