Hotel operator gets go-ahead for MIX Manchester development

Dakota Hotels has received planning approval from Manchester City Council for a boutique hotel on a three-acre site at MIX Manchester, adjacent to the airport. The 154-bedroom hotel, designed by KPP Architects, has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal area of 84,335 sq ft. It will feature a bar and brasserie-style grill as well as 130 car-parking spaces. It will also offer a shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. The application was lodged in June this year. It is expected to complement the brand’s city centre offering on Ducie Street. Andrew Ovenstone, managing director of Dakota Hotels, said: “This is an exceptional location for the latest hotel in our northern portfolio. Not only is it strategically placed next to one of the busiest airports in the world, but it will be central to the development coming forward across the MIX Manchester site.” Enabling and preparation works are already under way on site and contractor GMI Construction is set to start construction works. Asteer advised Dakota Hotels on planning. MIX Manchester is expected to become the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation and manufacturing campus. Consultation on the rebranded masterplan, which has a GDV of £1bn, started last month. The joint venture partnership behind MIX Manchester includes clients represented by Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Partners, Manchester Airports Group, Beijing Construction Engineering Group International and Greater Manchester Pension Fund. Speaking on behalf of the jv, Gareth Jackson, group property director for Manchester Airports Group, said: “Dakota securing planning for its new hotel is another milestone for us at MIX Manchester. It’s a brand which closely aligns with our ambitions and vision for the companies that we’re aiming to attract to MIX Manchester. It will provide a standard of accommodation and service for both employees and for some of the 28m passengers who travel through the airport each year.” Image from Dakota Hotels