Dakota opens for check-in at Manchester Airport

GMI Construction has handed Evans Property Group the keys to begin trading at the latest hotel in the MIX Manchester science and manufacturing park, joining neighbours Tribe and the under-construction Premier Inn.

The £54m Dakota Manchester Airport claims to be the ‘most luxurious airport hotel in the UK’, offering 154 beds in a range of room styles over seven storeys, as well as a bar and grill.

The Dakota Hotels brand and collection of seven hotels is owned by Leeds-based Evans Property Group. Marc Banks, director of Evans Property Group, said: “Our new hotel is more than just a building; it’s a destination and reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality.”

The hotel, designed by KPP Architects, becomes the fifth delivered by GMI Construction for Evans Property Group.

Phillip Johnson, regional director for the North West at GMI Construction, said: “The practical completion of Dakota Manchester Airport represents another significant milestone in our long-standing relationship with Evans Property Group and the Dakota brand. This is a high-quality development that showcases GMI’s expertise in delivering premium hospitality projects and our ability to meet the exacting standards associated with luxury hotel construction.”

Tribe opened in 2024 and Premier Inn is due to complete in early 2028. Further hotel development plots are available. JLL and Track Real Estates are the agents.

Chris Rumsey, property development director at MIX Manchester, said: “Dakota’s opening signifies a key milestone in the delivery of MIX Manchester, expanding its world-class amenities. With planning in for the first phase, strong interest in the mid-tech units and £30m of joint venture capital already invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, we’re building huge momentum and are looking forward to creating an innovation hub which will bring economic and social benefits to the surrounding area.”

Earlier this year, MIX Manchester submitted a detailed planning application for the first phase of the scheme; 70,000 sq ft mid-tech facilities along with a mobility hub and public realm. The planning application also covers 500,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing space and 600,000 sq ft of R&D, office, lab and hotel uses.

MIX Manchester is being delivered by a partnership between Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Manchester Airports Group, and Beijing Construction Engineering Group.