Floating hotel plan unveiled for Salford Quays
Looking to dock at the North Bay, Netherlands-based architect Ninetynine is drawing up innovative plans for a 180-room vessel on behalf of The Good Hospitality Group.
A pre-planning application consultation has started with a view to the hotel being ready for early 2026, subject to Salford City Council granting planning approval.
This consultation can be accessed via a dedicated website set up for people to give feedback and runs until 9 August. The website can be viewed at goodhotelsalford.co.uk.
Spanning three floors, as well as the guest rooms, features of the hotel would include an open plan living room bar restaurant area open to both guests staying there and the public as the regeneration of Salford Quays continues.
If approved, the hotel would be located to the north of the Lowry Theatre, a two-minute walk from the MediaCityUK Metrolink stop, and within reach of key Greater Manchester attractions.
According to the consultation website, construction and environmental disruption would be minimal with just the installation of two mooring piles and service connections.
The structure would be built offsite in a shipyard in the Netherlands and towed into its final location in one piece with a promise the hotel is adapted to climate change, being flood resilient and “immune to extreme rainfall”.
Guests will be advised that the hotel is car-free when booking but secure cycle parking for both guests and staff will be provided within the vessel.
Access for deliveries from vehicles will be provided from the existing footway on the service road to the north of the Lowry Theatre.
If approved, the vessel is likely to dock in autumn or winter next year, ready for opening in 2026.
Euan Kellie Property Solutions is the planner for the project.
Netherlands-based architect Ninetynine is drawing up plans for a floating hotel at Salford Quays. Credit: Counter Context
The business behind the plan has similar ventures at London’s Royal Docks, Antigua, and Guatemala City.
A spokesperson for The Good Hospitality Group said it will work closely with Salford City Council to bring the plans to fruition and to extend their training programmes to benefit the local community.
Their Good Training Programme offers ongoing hospitality training and career opportunities to local people affected by unemployment.
Discussions are already taking place with Salford about the role the Good Training Programme can play in supporting the area and helping residents secure long-term employment opportunities.
The Good Hospitality Group was founded by Marten Dresen in 2013, who said: “We are hugely excited to bring our floating Good Hotel concept to Salford Quays: a thriving tourist and commercial destination.
“We will collaborate with local partners and establish a successful training programme, mirroring the success we have experienced in London where hundreds of trainees have so far completed our Good Training Programme.
“As we prepare to submit our plans, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for residents, helping them secure long-term employment and contributing positively to the community.”
What is the point of building this in the open space/water that brings people to the area in the first place? Surely they could build this slightly further north where regeneration is needed?
If not, wouldn’t this would ruin the views from Media City/Alchemist!? The IWM is the best part of Salford Quays, particularly when the top is lit in red.
By Anonymous
Looks like a fancy version of the Bibby Stockholm
By Alan Partridge
I like it. Something different. Will be packed out as well with things like the football and cricket grounds close by to name a few
By Bob
The best hotel in London by Excel… get this consented!!
By Pete Swift
Great idea. Would love to stay there sometime and
I live in Manchester!
By Anonymous
This sounds fantastic and something new innovative and different to add to Salford Quays. I hope Salford city Council approve this application.
By Steve
The open space water is dead. No ships, no boats. Just dark water — apart from the floating rubbish. The whole dock site is boring — just tower blocks of apartments and offices. This hotel would bring a bit of life to the human-free zone. Next houseboats — like Amsterdam. And navigation-allowing footbridges.
By Anonymous
This will be amazing for Manchester. Regeneration boost is needed for the city and for Salford. We also need to focus on places like Wythenshawe and north Manchester that needs regeneration
By Jason
Amazing!!!!
By Anonymous
You’ve got to love a gimmick. This will be a great success.
By Anonymous
Looks v. novel, fun & taking social value to new heights.
Since Kargo opened the Quays feel much more vibrant. Exciting to see things around the Quays accelerate
By Anonymous
Goodness no there’s limited water space at the moment
By Anonymous
What a wonderful idea, it will create jobs in the area, look completely at home in an aea where modern, buildings are the norm,although some designs leave a lot to be desired, but the Quays is a modern rejuvenation of what was once avery neglected area. I have stayed on a botel in Prague, and it was different, and for the bars to get open to the general public is great.
By Lawrence Cody
Great idea of a floating hotel on salford Quays.
By Anonymous
This has to be one of the worst designs, it’s so bland and this weird frame over it looks like a pathetic attempt to make it look less uninspiring.
By Mike
Northwich had one for years, sadly they didnt allow for flooding, it’s is now the site of a Waitrose. The location of this should be changed, it would ruin the views and is an excuse to make fill in more of the waterway.
By Jihn
It would be more successful on the River Mersey. Salford offers no real vistas, no tranquility – just everything generic. It can be somewhat desolate in and around Media City; especially in January and February when temperatures go into the minuses.
By Liverpool Romance
Things tend to work better this end of the River Mersey though hence the reason it’s here. Great idea too and with Old Trafford right next to it even better!
By No chance
The novelty will soon wear off
By Anonymous
Old Trafford Football Ground and Cricket Ground are going nowhere anytime soon, will likely be full at all times of the year. Next, drop the Copthorne and build a new 5* hotel on that land.
By Big Dub
Liverpool Romance, you are right this is the type of innovative which should be going to the Liverpool waterfront. You’ve got to ask yourself why the developer/investor prefers Salford to Merseyside, could it be that Salford is now a more attractive economic proposition to Liverpool?
By Anonymous
Different location, that’s all is needed. Otherwise it’s a firm NO
By Anonymous
A great idea to improve the area without building a high rise building. I hope the proposal is approved. Also good to see a business feeding back into the local area with some valuable training opportunities.
By Simon C
Alchemist will be pleased lol
By Levelling Up Manager
This should sail through planning!
By Harry and Paul