International hotel operator Meininger has announced plans to open its first hotel in the north of England, on a prominent site in Manchester city centre, which will be developed by award winning property and development company S Harrison.
The central 0.182 hectare site, which fronts onto Great Ancoats Street in the New Islington area of the city, is just a ten-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. A planning application will be submitted during August, and following approval, York based S Harrison will deliver the modern, 12 storey, 212-bedroom hybrid-hotel scheme by January 2022.
The development is designed by 3D Reid, the architects behind several other hotel schemes in the city, including the Principal, Indigo and Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert hotels.
S Harrison’s managing director, Ann Scott, said: “This is our first development in Manchester and we have worked closely with respected Manchester based planning consultants Turley, and architects 3D Reid, to bring the scheme forward. It’s expected that 21 new full time jobs will be created once the hotel is complete.
“The wider site, which continues up to Pollard Street, is already home to a 150-bedroom Ibis hotel and the striking 20,000 sq ft Grade A office, known as Fabrica. Our development will complement these existing buildings and complete the regeneration of this larger site which formerly housed two retail warehouses and car parking, and was originally the home of Caledon Cotton Mill in the 1800s.
“This area of Manchester, with its rich textile heritage, has recently undergone significant regeneration with the support of the local council, and we are delighted to bring our expertise in the hotel and leisure sector to this popular part of the city.”
The 212-bedroom Meininger hotel will have 785 beds in total, in a mix of rooms including classic doubles, private multiple-bed rooms and dormitories. A key player in the hybrid hotel market, all Meininger hotels have their own individual style and offer flexible and affordable modern accommodation alongside a reception, lobby, lounge, breakfast room and bar as well as a guest kitchen and games zone. The Manchester hotel will have a taxi drop off area, disabled parking and secure cycle store.
Last year S Harrison, which has an enviable track record for delivering high quality hotel schemes, completed a 46-bedroom Hotel du Vin in Stratford and an award winning 127-bedroom Travelodge in Lincoln. It is currently transforming two Grade A listed classic Georgian town houses, known as Buchan House, in Edinburgh’s New Town into a prestigious 72 en suite bedroom Malmaison hotel.
Ann added: “We are actively looking for more sites in the North West and are focussing on identifying off-market opportunities. Our independence, cash reserves and sound financial standing allow us to move quickly and decisively, often bringing to fruition schemes where others have seen no potential, or where others have tried and stalled.”
