Plans have been approved for a brand new 310-bed aparthotel on Deansgate, following the submission of a detailed proposal by Ask Real Estate in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The 21-storey hotel, operated by Dublin-based Staycity, will occupy 325-327 Deansgate – playing a key role in the continued regeneration of the southern area of the city centre .
The plans also outline the intention to open up two of the archways within the nearby Castlefield Viaduct, bringing new, flexible spaces for business to the area.
The Deansgate pub, which sits within the development site, will be retained and will remain operational throughout the project.
John Hughes, managing director at Ask Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to be able to bring forward these plans and help to meet the projected demand for city centre apart-hotel space.
“The scheme looks impressive, and will add to the compelling architectural mix already found within the area – the landmark Beetham Tower, the modern skyscrapers of Deansgate Square, and the character and heritage of Castlefield Basin and Deansgate’s older buildings.
“As a team, our priority is to respect the special interest of the heritage assets within both of those areas.
“We look forward to progressing plans and seeing this pocket of the city centre continue to regenerate.”
Simon Walford, UK director of development at Staycity, added: “It’s an exciting time for the brand here in Manchester, as we further expand our portfolio – this property, which will be positioned in a strategic location on one of the city’s most important streets, will be our fourth scheme in the city centre.
“The approval of our Deansgate site marks another step forward in achieving our target to expand to 15,000 apartments by 2024, which we remain firmly on track for.
“Our collaborative, community-focused approach to accommodation is in keeping with what Manchester stands for – we’re proud to be expanding our presence in this great city and look forward to working with the Ask team.”
Mike Mellor, head of commercial at TfGM commented “There has been a significant amount of investment from both the public and private sector into the area around the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop over recent years, which has transformed the area.
“The development of 325 Deansgate marks the next step in the area’s regeneration story and we hope this will be one of many such developments around our transport hubs helping to further embed the shift to sustainable travel throughout Greater Manchester”
The Staycity aparthotel will contain 264 studios and 64 one-bed rooms, bringing the total number of keys to 310. The aparthotel will also boast a gym and laundrette on site for resident use.
The site lies immediately adjacent to the adopted Great Northern Manchester Central and Castlefield Quay Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) area, which seeks to drive the transformation of an extensive area of the city centre that has been underutilised for a number of years.
Ask Real Estate also developed out the nearby First Street neighbourhood, which is home to a large variety of commercial space and some of Manchester’s most high-profile leisure destinations – including WOOD Manchester, Indian Tiffin Room, INNSIDE and global arts destination HOME.
