Planning permission has this week been granted which will see Manchester city centre secure the first Zedwell hotel brand outside of London.
The 187-bedroom hotel will be located in the Royal Buildings next to Piccadilly Gardens in the city, a building which sits on the original site of the Royal Hotel which was demolished to make way for the current building in 1909.
Following approval, plans will see the upper four floors of the building converted into a hotel space, while the ground floor space will be unaffected.
“This is a significant project which will breathe new life into the Royal Buildings, a prominent building in the heart of Manchester. Our design approach respects the building's key position while enhancing its functionality and aesthetics for the modern traveller." Gavin Sorby, Managing Director, Buttress
Jay Patel, Planning Director at Savills based in Manchester, comments:
“The addition of a high quality and affordable hotel is welcome news for Manchester and its every growing tourism economy.
“In keeping with the concept of the brand’s other four existing sites in London, the new hotel will focus on promoting quality sleep, positive health and holistic wellbeing. With a very different focus to Manchester’s current hotel offering, Zedwell Hotels use a nature-inspired décor with calming colours, natural or recycled materials, and no TVs in cocoon-like rooms to promote deep rest.
“The developer is fully committed to building a viable and deliverable scheme, and we are pleased to have secured planning permission for this hotel.”
The developer, Criterion Capital currently operates three Zedwell hotels in central London with over 1000 rooms, there are a further nine hotels under construction which will be opened by 2026, taking the total to 12 Zedwell hotels and more than 4500 rooms.
Their sights are firmly set on growing the hotel platform throughout central London and across key regional cities in the UK.
Asif Aziz, Founder and Chief Exec of Criterion Capital, commented:
“Criterion is fully committed to building a viable and deliverable scheme, and we are delighted to have secured planning permission for this hotel. The work started in early January and projected opening is Q1 2026. Bringing Zedwell to Manchester was always in the plan and now we have found the perfect location. It was important that we worked with a local team and the plans for the hotel have been designed by Manchester-based Buttress Architects.
“The new Zedwell Hotel will be targeting short term stays and people travelling through Manchester using the excellent transport links of both Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly station.”
Most of the planned hotel site is vacant, except two floors occupied by a language school which is due to relocate in June 2024.
Gavin Sorby
Gavin is managing director at Buttress with experience in various sectors across the practice, with a specific focus on commercial projects.
Tammy Welz
Tammy brings a passion for well-executed, beautiful and practical design to each project she is involved in, from hotel developments to city centre apartment schemes.