Award-winning UK construction company Gilbert-Ash will transform a former Victorian hat factory into Manchester's first Moxy by Marriott hotel
Belfast-based construction expert Gilbert-Ash has been appointed by KE Hotels to complete the development of the new Moxy Manchester hotel. The former hat factory on Atkinson Street, known as Invicta House, will be transformed into a design-led boutique hotel with a targeted completion date of late 2021.
Central to the building's redevelopment is the preservation of the listed Victorian façade. Gilbert-Ash will erect a steel frame to protect this industrial heritage during construction, allowing for work to begin on re-developing the historic building into a modern, stylish 145-bedroom Moxy hotel.
A trend-setting hotel concept
'Moxy' is part of the Marriott brand portfolio that delivers a stylish hotel concept for the next generation traveller. Moxy offers contemporary design and approachable service at an affordable price. KE Hotels plan to deliver this concept to serve both Manchester's business district and the city's flourishing tourist market.
The new hotel will sit between Spinningfields, Manchester's corporate hub, and Deansgate, the city's central thoroughfare, with the historical landmarks of Albert Square and St Peter's Square close by.
The design will thoughtfully fuse traditional and contemporary design, clad in weathered-effect metal rain-screen panels. The perforated metal will recall the punch cards of a Jacquard loom as an echo to the site’s textile history, whilst the hotel’s interior will feature nods towards the building’s industrial past and previous occupants.
“We have extensive experience of facing down challenges and working with historically prominent buildings.”
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.”
It will certainly be a great fit for the culture of the local area."
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 city. 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.”
For more information contact kim@ke-hotels.com.