Accor agrees franchising deal for Chester hotel

With enabling work on the 144-key project started by TAG Developments in December, the global hospitality giant has signed terms to operate the building as an Ibis Styles.

Expected to welcome guests from 2028, the new-build hotel will be built out on the former Mecca Bingo site on Union Terrace in the city centre, close to the Shropshire Union Canal.

Enabling works started in late 2025, with TAG outlining a timeline of the main construction phase starting this summer. The project is expected to be tendered from late February.

Ibis Styles is described as Accor’s design-led economy brand, featuring a bar, restaurant and social spaces. It has a network that spans 58 countries and more than 76,000 rooms. Examples in the region include Manchester Portland Street and Liverpool Dale Street.

Graham Dodd, VP development for UK & Ireland in Accor’s premium, midscale & economy brands, said: “Chester continues to be a strong market for both business and leisure travel, and ibis Styles – with its bold design and accessible price point – is the ideal brand to support the city’s growth.

“This signing reinforces our commitment to expanding our midscale and economy offering in strategically important locations.”

Luke Averill, founder of TAG Developments, added: “Hotels are critical elements of city centre regeneration projects. We know that in Accor we have found the right partner to drive and convert demand to this exciting new development.

“The hotel will be an important part of the Chester city gateway and will help bring a new vibrancy to this important area of the city.”

Accor’s brands include Adagio aparthotels, Pullman, Sofitel, Banyan Tree, Tribe, Mercure, Novotel, Ibis, and Ibis Budget. Within the UK, Accor’s footprint includes more than 200 hotels.