THE Crown Hotel in Wetheral, Carlisle has undergone three phases of a multi-year £2.6 million refurbishment programme including a full refurbishment of all hotel bedrooms, many public areas and a new green initiative.

The hotel is launching an additional 8-bedroom expansion to the hotel stock, using local designers, Jo and Jo from Wild Rabbit Interiors and Cumbrian architects, contractors and tradesmen.

The Crown will have reduced its carbon emissions the equivalent of 38 households per year. This huge advancement to the area has also created new jobs, with the team growing to accommodate the new bedrooms.

The hotel now has a combined heat and power unit machine, which converts gas into electric energy to be used to power the hotel and run their fitness facility, Riverside Fitness.

In April 2023 The Crown is installing 60KW of solar panels for renewable energy, guaranteeing a green energy source for electricity & improving the hotels’ efficiency.

Smart energy sensors have been installed to prevent unnecessary use of energy throughout the hotel public areas to include smart lighting. Aswell as, the installation of additional electric car charge points. 

Smaller measures such as installing a swimming pool cover, reducing waste plastic, recycling and a food wastage plan, are just some of the many steps taken to contribute to this huge success project.

General manager Chris McLaughlin said: "Environmental focus is a huge topic and something top of everyone’s mind. We feel it is important in this current climate that we do our bit. Last year, working with the Cumbria LEP, we undertook a de-carbonisation audit which gave us insight as to how we could reduce our carbon footprint. This enabled us to put a plan in place to make gradual but significant improvements to our business and operation."

"We are now thrilled to let everyone know that as we near completion of our £2.6m refurbishment, the Crown Hotel is better positioned than ever and we are celebrating this success."

"We are proud that following this investment, we have reduced our carbon emissions so exceptionally and hope that it encourages others to consider their own carbon footprint."

The Crown recently added two further senior members to its management team completing a two-year reorganisation. In addition to investing a significant sum in its’ refurbishment, they have also rolled out a new employee benefit programme for 2023, with significant perks for employees when they reach milestones and beyond.