Stainforth starts construction on UK’s first Passivhaus hotel

Located in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire, the 20-room Cliffemount will also have a pub and restaurant, and is set to open in summer 2027.

The original Cliffemount Hotel was demolished in October last year, with the project managed by surveyors Silverstone Building Consultancy.

In the coming months, contractors will be focusing on groundwork in preparation for the next phase of the build.

The two year build time is partly due to the strict building and design standards that must be adhered to throughout, increasing the complexity involved, in order to try to obtain Passivhaus certification.

If successful, Cliffemount will also be the only hotel to have individual accreditations for its pub and restaurant.

Melissa Tomlinson, managing director at Cliffemount commented: “In 2022, our family purchased the former Cliffemount Hotel with a very clear vision of building a sustainable hotel that would have a positive impact industry wide.

“A lot of work has gone into making it achievable, but with the building work now beginning, that vision is finally starting to become a reality.

“We are so grateful that we have had support from local residents. The positivity around the project is so refreshing and encouraging, and it reinforces that what we are doing is right for the community.”

Mark Turner, site manager at Stainforth Construction said: “As with all construction projects of this scale, there is a significant amount of groundwork that needs to be done prior to any physical structures being put in place.

“In the first instance, we will be focusing on regrading, cutting, and filling the ground to the required site levels.

“Piling preparations and works will then begin, followed by work on the substructures, foundations and below ground drainage.”