Mercure Manchester primed for new lease of Lyf
The 280-bed Portland Street hotel will become the first Lyf branded hotel in the UK following an extensive refurbishment.
Venus Hotels, which holds a long-leasehold on the Schroders-owned Mercure Manchester hotel, is seeking to give the asset its biggest refurb since 2008.
Venus has lodged plans to make changes to the existing entrance as part of the refurbishment, which will create a “sophisticated hotel for next-generation travelers”, according to a cover letter prepared by Avison Young.
Lyf, part of the Singaporean Ascott group of hotels, brands itself as an “experience-led social living for digital nomads, technopreneurs, creatives and self-starters” and has 26 hotels in 11 countries, according to its website.
Manchester would join a list of global cities with a Lyf hotel that boasts Sydney, Vienna, and Beijing.
Jon Matthews Architects is advising on design. Schroders was contacted for comment.
To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number 144515/FO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
The only refurbishment this needs a light lick of paint applied by a wrecking ball.
By Anonymous
I was in “Hotel Piccadilly” it was in about 32 years ago was in wedding anniversary party in the hotel, and most bathroom is cream that all I’ve remember I never forget it…but now all changes into new life.
By G J Kitchener
I really like this building but most people don’t believe me, they just see an eyesore
By Anonymous
Puntastic headline, well done.
Wonder if there will be any substantive changes external to the building.
By Alan P
Hideous block. Was kind of hoping its demolition/redevelopment would be included within the wider Piccadilly Gardens/Parker St bus station thinking…
By D
I actually agree with Anon 12:39. They should refurbish and reclad, could be a brilliant. Embrace what it could be rather than what it has been run into.
By Anonymous
Another fan of this building here! It looks so futuristic, it’s like nothing else.
By Anonymous
Anonymous 12.39 pm, you are not on your own I also really like this building.
By Anonymous
Reclad and extend the top! This should have a rooftop terrace with an indoor pool or a restaurant.
By Anonymous
I quite like the building. Looks like someting out of Thunderbirds. Some of the other buildings around dating back to the 80s and 90s could be replaced. This part of Manchester looks a little drab.
By John
I hope this includes doing something with facades or cladding to sort out the monstrosity of an exterior!
By Tom