Anglo Holt delivering Holiday Inn Express hotel built of shipping containers

The first batch of modules, which come complete with decoration, furniture and all fittings, are being put in place as the hotel begins to take shape at the Royal Albert Dock in London. The site is adjacent to City Airport and is in an area undergoing extensive regeneration.

Anglo Holt has been appointed by global industrial and construction giant China International Marine Containers (CIMC) to deliver the 204-bedroom hotel which is due to be completed early next year.

Anglo Holt managing director Andy Elwell said it was the biggest project of its type yet undertaken in the UK by CIMC and the first time the two companies had worked together.

"The CIMC modular system is a fantastic innovation and the quality of each container is very good.

"From a construction point of view, it reduces the amount of time on site, assist with quality control, and is considered to be safer, quieter and cleaner than traditional construction methods. Our experience so far would certainly support that," explained Mr Elwell.

In modular construction a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and standards as conventionally-built facilities.

CIMC spokesman Paul Blackmore said: "Working alongside Anglo Holt, the construction is divided into two major parts – off-site and on-site works. They are done separately but in parallel. On the one hand, modules were under mass production in our factory in China. Meanwhile, on-site construction started in London"

Anglo Holt has completed dozens of hotels across the UK. It has an annual turnover of £50m and employs around 100.