Contractor hands over dual-branded hotel development in Manchester

Russell WBHO has completed work on a prominent building earmarked for the Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity and Motel One brands in one of the UK’s largest cities.

The arrival of 3 St Peter’s Square strengthens Manchester’s hospitality offering.

Delivering a £50m contract

Main contractor Russell WBHO has handed over the 3 St Peter’s Square development in Manchester city centre to Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity and Motel One. The £50 million contract was delivered following the conclusion of a 186-week programme, which began with the demolition of the outdated Peterloo House office block in March 2018, following the award of planning consent in July 2017.

The 20-storey newbuild will accommodate the 256-key Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Manchester – St Peter’s Square, from floors one to eight, and the 328-room Motel One Manchester – St Peter’s Square, from floors nine to 20.

Gareth Russell, joint managing director of Russell WBHO, said: “We’re pleased to hand over 3 St Peter’s Square to Motel One and Staycity, and mark completion of another successful project despite the complexities of balancing requirements for two different operators within the same building, alongside the challenges of the site’s location and the Covid pandemic. It is testament to the collaborative efforts of the architects, engineers, subcontractors, clients’ representatives, developer, funder and the Russell WBHO team who have, together, delivered another excellent addition to Manchester’s visitor offering.”

3 St Peter’s Square’s project team

Developed by Property Alliance Group, the scheme has been designed by Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio, with Leach Rhodes Walker serving as delivery architect. The project team also included Royal London Asset Management (funding), Baker Hollingworth (employers agent), Ce2 (building services), WSP (structural design) and How Planning (planning consultant).

Property Alliance Group director Ella Magill said: “The potential for a hotel development in this site was clear and it is very satisfying to see not one but two operators shared that view. We have to thank RLAM for their vision in funding the scheme, and the contractor for delivering this superb building despite all of the challenges of the last two years.”

Growing the portfolio of Wilde Aparthotels and Motel One

This development paves the way for the opening of the first Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity property in Manchester, significantly bolstering Staycity’s existing 400+-room portfolio in the city. Marie England, general manager, Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Manchester – St Peter’s Square, said: “We’re delighted to bring the Wilde brand to Manchester and offer something truly unique in this market.”

Meanwhile, St Peter’s Square represents the third Motel One-branded scheme that Russell WBHO has built, following in the wake of the 632 rooms previously delivered across Motel One Manchester – Piccadilly and Motel One Manchester – Royal Exchange. Sean McFall, area manager at Motel One, said: “We’re thrilled with the hotel, it’s stunning and we’re very excited to start welcoming customers through the doors. Demand for rooms within Manchester has returned and this trend is expected to continue throughout the year, so the addition of Motel One – St Peter’s Square couldn’t come at a better time.”

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