Travelodge today opened its first hotel that was built using modified steel shipping containers - a construction model that the budget hotel group expects will lead to annual savings of £10m.

The 120-room property, in Uxbridge, Middlesex, has been built from 86 high strength steel containers which were constructed and fitted with the hotel room’s fixture and fittings in Shenzen, China.

On arrival, they were put on a lorry and fitted together like giant Lego blocks on the site, constructing the hotel within 20 days.

Paul Harvey, managing director of international and development at Travelodge, said: “Customers will notice no difference in their room to a traditionally constructed hotel, yet they will benefit from the low prices we charge due to our desire to cut the cost of doing business.”

Travelodge is also constructing a new 307-room hotel at Heathrow using the modular build technique.

Verbus Systems, a joint business venture between consulting engineers Buro Happold and constructor, George & Harding, developed the modular construction system over the last four years.

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By Gemma Sharkey

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