After decades of architectural neglect, the infamous Renaissance Hotel is finally set for a much-needed transformation.
Known to Mancs today as ‘that ugly building down Deansgate,’ the Renaissance Hotel was initially built as an office block in 1972 before being transformed into the hotel it is known as today. However, instead of becoming a staple part of Manchester city centre’s history, the fifteen-storey tall building has instead been labeled as an ‘eye sore’ and has faced the threat of full demolition since 2018.
Last year, it was announced that the hotel would close for good and, ever since, it has stood derelict and seemingly forgotten with the possibility of demolition constantly looming.
Gene Hunt / Flickr
SH Hotels & Resorts
But now, that’s all set to change – a £200m redevelopment of the building proposed by Property Alliance Group and Starwood Capital’s has now been approved by the council.
The building will be taken over by the SH Hotel & Resorts’ ‘Treehouse’, a London-based treehouse-themed hotel concept.
SH Hotels & Resorts’ primary aim is to recreate ‘the wondrous childhood feeling of climbing into a treehouse and making up your own rules.’ They have promised to bring this outlook to their Manchester venture, saying the hotel will be ‘fun, fresh and fabulous – inspired by life’s joys.’
The existing Treehouse Hotel, located in London’s elusive Marylebone neighbourhood, has achieved critical acclaim for it’s unique and eccentric interior design, which includes real tree trunks entwined in the bathrooms, nature-inspired bedrooms and quirky decorations such as cuckoo clocks and an abundance of shrubbery.
SH Hotels & Resorts
SH Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Capital Group Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht said on the Manchester project: “I’m really excited to launch our second Treehouse Hotel in the UK. Manchester is as much a destination for travellers as a gathering place for its energetic local community.
“Our Treehouse will introduce a new execution of fun and witty, and provide an imaginative hospitality experience. As a sustainable brand, we will reuse and repurpose the existing building. We are thrilled to set roots in the city of Manchester.”
Further details surrounding the venture have remained tightly under wraps, though SH Hotels & Resorts has indicated that the hotel will introduce a number of unique new dining experiences to the area, including a top-floor restaurant and bar with city views and a rooftop venue.
Treehouse Hotel Manchester has also vowed to make extensive use of ‘reclaimed and recycled materials across both the building itself and the furniture within.’
Treehouse Hotel Manchester is due to open in 2023.
Plans set out for a huge new tower reveal it will overtake Renaker’s 71-storey Lighthouse and dwarf the Beetham Tower.
Salboy has unveiled its plans for its Viadux Phase Two project – which will stand next to the Beetham Tower at 76 storeys high, and will feature 780 apartments.
Beetham Tower claimed the title as the tallest tower in the city upon completion back in 2006, until Deansgate Square’s South Tower overtook it in 2018, holding the record ever since.
Salboy
However, Renaker’s 71-storey Lighthouse project is soon set to overtake South Tower which will be a huge 213 metres tall, located in plot D near Deansgate Square and Mancunian Way.
But the newly revealed Salboy plans show that Viadux Phase Two could then overtake that, being five storeys taller than plot D – though the property developer has not released an accurate height of the proposed skyscraper just yet.
Viadux Phase Two A – its official name – will contain around 780 ‘high quality’ new apartments in the larger tower, with plans to build a 23-storey smaller tower next to it.
Salboy
The smaller tower is called Phase Two B and will contain around 130 affordable new homes that the developers say ‘contribute towards the need for city centre affordable housing’. Built in two phases, the Viaduct project will provide 900 new dwellings.
Salboy’s Viadux Phase One is almost ready to open its doors to the public – which is a 40-storey block located next to the Beetham Tower containing 362 apartments.
A statement on the consultation website reads: “Phase Two follows the same design principles as Phase One, but look to increase the level of ambition further still.
Salboy
“The Viadux Phase Two tower will become the focal point of this cluster of tall buildings and make a visually striking addition to Manchester’s skyline.”
Salboy’s plans have changed from the original 263,000 sq ft 15-storey tower of offices that was originally proposed – but the developer says it has shelved those ambitions.
The statement continued: “The land in between the Beetham Tower and Viadux Phase One has approval for an office building, approved as part of the Beetham Tower development, but never delivered.
“This site will be redeveloped as a new distinctive diamond shaped building, to be delivered as new affordable homes in the heart of the city centre.
Salboy
“The building will be elevated above the public realm stair and lift with new shops or cafes opening onto the viaduct. Moving east, beyond Viadux Phase One, the new 76-storey residential tower will replace the previous plans for a large office on the site.
“To complete the wider city block, we are exploring options to place a smaller retail building facing onto Albion Street to create a new edge to the city street.”
Subject to approval, Salboy hopes to start work on the tower in 2024.
A drop-in event for those wanting to look at the plans will take place on December 4th from 4pm to 7pm at 53Two, on Watson Street.
Apartments offering discounts for key workers are now available in the city centre’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
The scheme offering as much as 25% discount for key workers on rentals in Ancoats and the Northern Quarter has now opened for tenants.
The Poplin development features 144 rental flats, 35% of which will be reserved specifically for key workers and is supported by a Social Impact Fund.
Poplin
Key workers earning under a £40,000 salary threshold will receive the highest discounts, with a typical £1,460 rent for a two bedroom flat being reduced to £1,180.
The two bedroom units come with two bathrooms, making them suitable for sharing and opening up the opportunity for key workers to enjoy the experience of city centre living.
The apartments have been designed by Northern Quarter interiors studio YOUTH, with the development featuring a resident’s lounge, a co-working space, bookable private dining room and tv lounge, an atrium space and a roof terrace – featuring 360 views of Manchester’s skyline.
Poplin
Poplin’s apartments are pet-friendly and new residents are given a welcome box of eco-friendly treats and a discount card which provides discounts to its ‘neighbourhood heroes’ – local businesses that the scheme is partnered with.
As well as staff on hand at all times, the apartment development also boasts an on-site maintenance team to help with everything from moving in to hanging pictures to repairs.
Residents can go out on the town with Manchester right on your doorstep. You can find details about the development by clicking HERE.
A stunning new development is offering one, two and three-bedroom apartments in – what is currently – the tallest tower in Salford Quays.
Eda is the new 29-storey building with 290 apartments available now, situated at the top of Erie Dock in the heart of Salford Quays.
Eda’s furnished apartments include king-size beds with ottoman storage, corner sofas and TV units, to name a few – all bespoke designed by Eda and unique to you.
Eda
With floor to ceiling windows looking out over the Quays and the Manchester skyline, Eda’s apartments are bright and spacious with open plan living areas.
Each apartment has a modern fully-fitted kitchen with utility storage, comfortable and spacious bedrooms with bespoke designed fitted wardrobes, and relaxing bathrooms all finished to a high standard.
And, it doesn’t stop there – you can even bring your pet at no extra cost too.
Eda
Other amenities at Eda include a 24-hour concierge service, a cinema room, a gaming room, a private dining room and a landscaped garden terrace. It also has a Co-op store downstairs for your convenience.
With paddle boarders, kayakers and an occasional brave swimmer, this location is where the city meets the open water. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a varied social life while staying local.
This cosmopolitan area boasts scenic walks along the dock where you’ll also find plenty of shops, The Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum and Media City UK.
Eda
For foodies, or those looking to catch up with friends over drinks, there’s The Botanist, The Alchemist, Seven Brothers, Unagi, plus Kargo – the huge new 20-vendor food hall.
With plenty more places to eat and drink, as well as a Quayside Makers Market that features every last weekend of the month, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
You can even catch the tram from the nearby Metrolink stop at Anchorage. From here, you can easily travel into the city centre or around to places including Chorlton, Didsbury and the Trafford Centre.
Eda
Apartments will be ready to move into from Friday, September 22nd.
Click HERE to register your interest, or come and say ‘Hi’ anytime. Now open 24/7, the team will be more than happy to show you around.
You can find them at Eda apartments, 5 Anchorage Quay, Salford, M50 3BR.