Moxy Manchester City

Manchester

A design-led boutique hotel with a nod to the Victorian era

Type

Moxy by Marriott

Client

Moxy by Marriott

Status

Completed

From corporate headquarters to a bespoke hotel design

KE Hotels had a vision to develop a hotel and acquired a site right at the heart of Spinningfields which had been destined to be another corporate headquarters. Spinningfields is a vibrant district in the centre of Manchester. In just over one and a half square miles, this neighbourhood accommodates institutions like John Rylands library, Crown Court, and Opera House with their landmark buildings.

Through efficient design, we maintained the characterful existing façade and added a nine-storey contemporary building that contrasts with the existing structure:

We concentrated all the stairs against a gable wall and amplified daylight to the bedrooms around the entire perimeter, as well as created additional space with lightwells.
We maximised the space and included an entire additional floor level within the existing planning consent.
We condensed 147 spacious guestrooms into the tight 750sqm plot, providing a living-room-style lobby and a stylish bar.

Pricing and building such a hotel was challenging; however, we produced a well-considered construction strategy at a competitive price. We then relied on our construction partner's expertise in hotels, historic buildings and high-profile landmark buildings to bring the vision and design to life.

We maximised the space and included an entire additional floor level within the existing planning consent. We condensed 147 spacious guestrooms into the tight 750sqm plot, a living-room-style lobby and a stylish bar.

A historic location

Knitted into Spinningfields' history are some of Manchester’s most dramatic buildings designed by the finest architects. The traditional pattern of historic narrow streets is relieved by dramatic modern public spaces. Corporate headquarters, shops, fine dining, street food, bars, libraries, nightclubs, and opera houses all coexist in this diverse and eclectic neighbourhood that is always busy.

Transforming an existing consent

When we started exploring opportunities with the client, there was a pre-existing planning consent for a spec office development. Our challenge was to work within the parameters of the existing consent and playful Moxy brand, to get a hotel layout to work. Pricing and building such a hotel was always going to be challenging but, working with a great team of consultants, we brought the vision to life.

Delivering the project

After we refined and perfected the design, pricing, building, and delivering the hotel was the next challenge. The site was deep and square and incredibly tight. There was also a mix of restricted vehicle access, narrow lanes, and historic buildings including Invicta House, an eighteenth-century former textile warehouse. Nevertheless, we were able to draw on expertise to produce a well-considered construction strategy at a competitive price.