UK: Construction company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed by KE Hotels to transform a former hat factory in the centre of Manchester into a 145 bedroom Moxy Hotel.
The project sits within a mix of modern developments in the city’s Spinningfields district, and marks the first Moxy branded hotel in Manchester.
The original facade of the nine-storey, 18th century building is to be retained as part of the works.
Its exterior design will feature metal rain-screen panels in which the perforated metal is said to recall the punched cards of a Jacquard loom, echoing the site’s textile past.
Ray Hutchinson, managing director of Gilbert-Ash, said: “We are really looking forward to starting the build process for the new Moxy Hotel. We have previously delivered a full range of projects across the hotel and hospitality sector, but this will be our first in Manchester. The site itself is very tight with three prominent buildings in close proximity. We have extensive experience of facing down challenges and working with historically prominent buildings located in restricted areas so are looking forward to working together with all of our partners to deliver this boutique-style hotel, in a very buoyant area of Manchester.”
Anil Khanna, managing director of KE Hotels said: “We cannot wait to see our vision become a reality as Gilbert-Ash have made an efficient start on site. Manchester has a young, vibrant population and the new Moxy Hotel is to be the first in the Spinningfields district. It will certainly be a great fit for the culture of the local area. The hotel will cater for the young professional market, with advanced technology, shared working spaces and sociable bar led offering. We have been very impressed with the Gilbert-Ash approach and are delighted to be working collaboratively on this development.”
Launched in 2016, Moxy is a Marriott International brand described as “a millennial-focused boutique concept” designed for “fun-hunter travellers”.
