Generator London is located in Bloomsbury and first opened in 1995. Originally a police section house, the property now features 872 beds across 212 rooms, including 20 new en-suite twins.
DesignAgency, Canada, has now worked in partnership with ORBIT architects to transform the property into London’s most contemporary and innovative hostel spaces.
“The overarching concept includes the inherently eclectic cultural, architectural, stylistic and historical mash-up that makes London what it is. The design stirs up and connects spaces with a modern industrial feel, but privileges different areas with their own distinctive look and concept based on programme and usage.”
Anwar Mekhayech, Partner, DesignAgency
Impressive interiors
The impressive interiors bring together London’s industrial past with the modern energy the city has today. Striking furniture by Moooi, Moroso and Tom Dixon create a relaxing and social environment for guests. London’s spirit and the local history of Camden can be seen through the use of reclaimed timbers, exposed brick and hot-rolled black steel.
Art installations and bespoke graphics have been executed by Shoreditch based art collective Acrylicize in collaboration with DesignAgency. Good Wives and Warriors have created a customised Generator piano in the café and talented London based Jenni Sparks is the artist behind the hand drawn map of London that decorates the travel shop.
Chill-out areas
The chill-out areas offer an abundance of tiered lounge seating; a screening room with state of the art cinema screen; game tables that provide a relaxed social experience and a café serving up freshly roasted coffee and artisan sandwiches, a haven to while away the day lounging in comfortable leather armchairs.
The bar hosts an eclectic programme of daily events for in house guests, is home to a replica Routemaster London bus and the lighting has been designed by CASTOR using recycled fire extinguishers.
100,000 guests
Carl Michel, Generator Executive Chairman commented:
“London has continued to make its mark as the preeminent destination for youth travel worldwide, with strong growth posted in 2013. Each year just over 100,000 guests experience our Generator hostel, with some 70+ nationalities represented. In addition our guests contribute about £5m of spending into the local economy – shops, restaurants and tourist services in and around Bloomsbury – supporting around 100 jobs beyond those directly connected with our hostel.”
European growth and ambitions
Josh Wyatt, Investment Director, Patron Capital:
“The restyle of Generator London further demonstrates the progressive growth of the brand and continued investment from owners Patron Capital. It follows the opening of properties in Barcelona, Venice and Berlin Mitte in 2013. Openings in Paris and Rome in 2015 and the acquisition of new sites that will be announced in due course, mark the beginning of an exciting period of growth and consolidation for the Generator brand. By 2018 Generator expects to have 12,500 beds and 18 properties across Europe and beyond. “
Stylish, design–led, central and affordable accommodation
As Europe’s fastest growing and most innovative hostel brand, Generator currently has nearly 5,200 beds located across six countries. 2013 saw the opening of the group’s first venture in Barcelona and Venice and its second in Berlin. These join the properties in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg and London. The portfolio is forecasted to grow to 18 hostels by 2018, an expansion that starts with the openings of Generator Paris and Rome in 2015.
Characterised by their cutting-edge design, central locations, creative events, locally-inspired menus and wide range of room options, from private en-suite twins to female-only dorms, each Generator hostel offers free Wi-Fi, buzzing bar and chill-out areas and 24-hour security. Welcoming, knowledgeable staff are on hand around the clock to provide advice on exploring the local area and other tips for a memorable city stay, Generator style.
For more information click here