Snoozebox set to create hotel in Aberdeen

The snoozebox hotel complex on the site of the Waverley Gate development in Edinburgh. Picture: Greg Macvean

Snoozebox has lodged plans to create a hotel in Aberdeen.

If approved, the proposals would lead to the development of a hotel at Greenhole Place in Bridge of Don, made from shipping containers and featuring 80 rooms and 160 beds.

The company said today a decision had yet to be made on whether the facility would be available as a hotel for any customers to use or specifically aimed at accommodating workers.

The proposed facility would initially be open for five years.

The company’s president is the former F1 racing driver David Coulthard who is a life-long friends of the firm’s founder Robert Breare.

Up to four rooms, which will have en-suite bathrooms, could be created per container if the plans win approval.

A Snoozebox spokesman said: “Snoozebox continues to explore a host of opportunities in key cities and locations throughout the UK to create semi-permanent hotels and accommodation units.

“As part of this process, Snoozebox regularly holds discussions and develops plans to progress opportunities.

“The company does not comment on opportunities under development that may or may not be successfully concluded.”

Coulthard helped the company to its first breakthrough by having Snoozebox accommodate spectators at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The company’s hotels, which can have as many as 240 rooms, will provide normal reception services, daily housekeeping and 24 hour duty manager.

A “social hub” could also be created where food and beverages are available while the provision of catering services would be outsourced.

The accommodation provider also specialises in “pop up hotels” for people attending events such as Glastonbury and the Isle of Man TT, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup.

For the events, the team hope to be set up with minimal disruption within 48 hours of arriving on site.

Bridge of Don councillor Muriel Jaffrey said she is “sceptical” about how the former containers will look once they are developed.

She said: “I would definitely be worried and sceptical because a company like this must realise Bridge of Don simply isn’t a dump.

“I’m sure if David Coulthard is involved with Snoozebox the firm will be reputable.

“Most of the people who work in Bridge of Don live in the North-east so it’s also surprising this accommodation will be built.

“I wouldn’t have though the middle of an industrial estate would be the obvious are.

“I will be fascinated to see how this project will look because it’s something Aberdeen has never had before.”