Co Derry-based fit-out specialist one of nine firms from the north involved in major refurbishment of iconic listed hotel

Specialist construction and fit-out firm Edgewater Contracts has completed the first phase of a £45 million transformation project at the world famous Savoy Hotel in London.

The Mid Ulster firm, which is based at Creagh Business Park in Co Derry, has been on site at the luxury Covent Garden hotel since August 2024.

Edgewater is the main contractor for the project, which involved eight other Northern Ireland firms: Glackin Electrical, FG Mechanical, Project Marble, Flooring Solutions, GMT furniture, GH Engineering and Ascot Signs.

Ulster Carpets also supplied the new flooring.

Work on The Savoy was carried out while the site remained fully operational.

The project involved the transformation of the guestrooms and suites in the iconic Grade II-listed hotel along with the creation of a new signature balcony river suite.

Specialist work included the restoration of original fireplaces, intricate cornicing, and the preservation of 50 of the hotel's chandeliers.

A second phase of works is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will run through to December 2026.

It brings the total number of hotel rooms refurbished by Edgewater in the UK to 25,000.

The company say it is on track to generate £110 million in 2025, up from £88.7m last year and three times the turnover the firm made in 2023.

It follows a string of high-profile projects delivered across the UK and Ireland, including The London Hilton on Park Lane; The Mayfair Townhouse; Nobu Hotel London; and The Caledonian, Edinburgh.

Edgewater also completed work at the Clayton Ballsbridge in Dublin; and was responsible for the refurbishment of US hotelier Marine & Lawn's Slieve Donard Resort and Adelphi Portrush.

Led by Seamus Murray as managing director, Edgewater's directors include McAleer & Rushe senior figures Seamus McAleer, Eamonn Laverty and Eamon Higgins.

"Edgewater's end-to-end delivery of this project for The Savoy serves to highlight the demand for our expertise at the very top end of the UK hospitality sector," said Seamus Murray.

"Delivering the first phase of this ambitious refurbishment ahead of schedule is down to the skills, unrivalled experience, and dedication of our leadership, project, and workshop teams at Edgewater, as well as our committed subcontractors and specialist supply chain partners.

"In working to preserve the history of this iconic Grade II listed building, while simultaneously introducing world-class modern finishes, much of which was produced in our own manufacturing facility, we have showcased Edgewater's ability to combine craftsmanship, innovation, and efficiency on a global stage.

"Once again, we have successfully balanced heritage preservation with the delivery of a world-class contemporary guest experience. We look forward to building on this alongside the team at The Savoy as we commence phase two of this project in one of the world's most beloved hotels."

Speaking on behalf of The Savoy, Franck X. Arnold, regional vice president and managing director, said: "We knew from the outset that delivering a transformative project of this scale, within a legendary heritage Grade II listed building, would demand the highest standards of planning and execution to ensure minimal disruption to our treasured guests.

"Edgewater not only delivered on that promise but completed the works ahead of schedule. We're now looking forward to commencing the second phase of this partnership in 2026 and to creating even more exceptional rooms for the modern, discerning traveller to enjoy while experiencing our unrivalled hospitality here at The Savoy."

Edgewater complete first phase of £45m transformation of The Savoy Hotel in London