Dakota picks airport for second Manchester hotel

The chain plans to construct a 154-bedroom hotel off Bailey Lane within the 60-acre MIX Manchester development.

Dakota Hotels has submitted a planning application for a seven-storey, £60m scheme close to Manchester Airport. The scheme will be the company’s second in Manchester – the first opened on Ducie Street in 2019.

The airport hotel is expected to generate £12m a year for the local economy, according to Dakota, which is expanding across the country.

The firm recently announced that Dakota Newcastle would open in spring 2025. Subject to planning consent, Dakota Manchester Airport hopes to open its doors in 2026. Asteer Planning is advising Dakota on its plans.

Andrew Ovenstone, managing director of Dakota Hotels, said: “This is a significant moment for Dakota Hotels, and this airport expansion marks an exciting time for our team and guests alike.

“With routes covering four continents of the world and increasing numbers of passengers and flights year on year, Manchester Airport is a fast-growing global gateway to the North. We are looking forward to being part of the journey for the 28 million travellers that come through their doors – bringing our unique brand of luxury hospitality to the Airport hotel market.”

Designed by KPP Architects, the hotel is one of three proposed within the recently relaunched 60-acre MIX MANCHESTER.

Previously earmarked for 5m sq ft of commercial space, MIX Manchester – which stands for Manufacturing Innovation Exchange – has the capacity for 2m sq ft of labs, manufacturing facilities, and the offices required for those companies, alongside a hat-trick of hotels.

The masterplan is being delivered by a joint venture between Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group, BCEGI, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Gareth Jackson, group property director for Manchester Airports Group, said: “We’re thrilled that Dakota Hotels has chosen MIX Manchester with the announcement coming just weeks after we launched our revised masterplan for the site.

“The Dakota Hotels brand is synonymous with high-quality customer experience. It is the perfect partner to join other forward-thinking companies at MIX Manchester and will provide an exceptional standard of accommodation for employees and visitors alike.”