Chancellors Hotel reopens

The hotel and conferencing centre at the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield site has undergone a £4m refurbishment.

The upgrade involved refurbishments to the 68 standard bedrooms, four executive suites and bridal suite, including new furniture, fixtures and fittings and bathrooms.

Improvements were also carried out to all public areas, including the hotel reception, meeting rooms, corridors, bar, lounges and the conservatory. A new lift has also been installed along with a new plant room.

Recom Solutions, based in Salford Quays, managed the project with Manchester & Cheshire Construction as main contractor.

Recom was appointed in March 2016 and managed the scheme through a feasibility study, the securing of planning and listed building consent, procurement of all consultants and management of the tender process to appoint a main contractor.

Jason McKnight, director of Recom, said: “The entire project took under 11 months from inception to completion, which was a massive feat for everyone concerned. Careful planning and preparation were paramount to achieving a successful outcome.”

The professional team also included building surveyor SDA Consulting, interior designer Wilson Mason, structural engineer Thomasons and WYG as M&E consultant.

Chancellors lies in 5.5 acres of gardens and comprises a grade-2 listed mansion with extension.

The mansion was built in 1850 for Sir Joseph Whitworth and in 1882 was leased to CP Scott, editor of The Manchester Guardian. Following Scott’s death, the property was bequeathed to the university and was the vice-chancellor’s residence until 1997, when it was converted into a hotel.