22/07/2010

Encompassed within the city walls and nestled off the historic Stonegate amidst York's trendy bars and eateries, The Fort, a boutique hostel, will offer luxurious accommodation for a total of 16 people treating them to en-suite wet rooms, flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi connectivity. 

To enrich the experience each room has been individually designed by competition winners; from inspiration gathered from the interior of a log cabin to the rawness of graffiti art, The Fort will be a representation of the next generation of design talent. 

The competition was arranged by the visionary entrepreneur Karen Waugh, who already owns the highly successful Kennedy's Bar and restaurant in the city centre, in collaboration with Creative Protege and design agency Nugenko.

"The Fort will present the independent traveller with a unique place to stay in the historic heart of York. Location, location, location has always been my philosophy in business and The Fort is surrounded by stylish cafes, bars and restaurants; I am certain there is an untapped niche in the market for luxury, funky, easy on the pocket accommodation.

The competition I ran with Creative Protege was integral to the project as I felt allowing young designers to stamp their design on this project will give this place a sense of identity and create something I believe we will all be extremely proud of. We received countless entries, but we narrowed it down to the best, the very best."   

Following her own travels abroad in mainland Europe, where boutique hostels are already an extremely popular option for visitors, Karen is sure that the British public are ready to redefine the predisposed ideas regarding hostels and fully embrace The Fort.

"This is merely phase one in an extremely exciting business venture that has taken Europe by storm. Offering the level of accommodation you would expect in a four star hotel for only £20 a night I'm sure will appeal to everyone - as we say here at The Fort: You try getting in!"

The competition generated mass interest and an influx of design ideas for each room; winning designs included the inspirational ‘Memory Field' by Mark Brear. The successful concept includes hundreds of shots of York incorporated in a swathe of designs within the chosen room.

One of the competition winners, Matt Sypien, 25, a student from Bradford University and freelance graphic designer, is sure that his Apple inspired room will offer something that has never been seen in the UK before.

"I am absolutely thrilled that my work was chosen to be used in one of the rooms. My proposal will be incorporated into an Apple themed room; my original designs will be placed onto bright white walls to create a very contemporary look. There will also be the option for you to dock your iPod into the wall and listen to your playlist through an integral speaker system. Trust me, I will be staying there."

 

With completion of phase one set for the beginning of July 2010, The Fort will set the standard of hostel accommodation and offer a something new to the millions of visitors that enjoy the historic city of York each year.

Please visit www.thefortyork.co.uk where you can access all social media sites for further information and images regarding the project.

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