Hut Group plots conversion of Manchester assets
The listed e-commerce firm wants to redevelop three properties on Kennedy Street into offices for beauty brand ESPA, a restaurant, and boutique hotel accommodation, as it continues its city centre hospitality investment.
Under the proposals, designed by EPR Architects, numbers 16, 20 and 24 Kennedy Street would be converted. Number 16, most recently used as offices, would be upgraded to create office accommodation and training studios for ESPA, one of The Hut Group’s brands.
Numbers 20 and 24 would be operated as part of the King Street Townhouse hotel, which The Hut Group bought in 2019 as part of its acquisition of Eclectic Hotel Group.
Number 20 would house six bedrooms, a ground floor restaurant, event space and a roof terrace, while number 24 is earmarked for use as a “townhouse for private rental to cater to high net-worth individuals”, according to a design and access statement by EPR.
The proposals complement plans to upgrade and extend the 40-bedroom Kings Street Townhouse, located opposite the Kennedy Street properties.
The Hut Group is also advancing plans to refurbish Great John Street Hotel, another former Eclectic asset, having submitted a planning application in May 2020.
Gardiner & Theobald is the project manager and quantity surveyor for the project and Euan Kellie Property Solutions is the planning consultant.
Stephan Levrant Heritage Architecture is advising on heritage and WSP is the structural engineer.
Nearby, The Hut Group acquired 12,000 sq ft of ground floor and basement space within 100 King Street in 2019.
The space was previously occupied by restaurant Jamie’s Italian and The Hut group plans to convert it into an experiential marketing space to showcase its brands.
Wow! THG really are unstoppable… Some interesting uses of buildings here. Will be fascinating to see how it develops.
By Cheshire boy
Brilliant, THG are such an asset to Manchester. Lets hope they get into property development in a big way in the city. Also looking forward to their new HQ at Airport city completing.
By Bob
What’s happening at the old Jamie’s, have the started work yet?
By PDM
THG really are expanding in all areas from IT to beauty and now into property. They have a lot cash and seem to be investing it well. I look forward to seeing this progress. Manchester is lucky to have them .
By JohnP
Well done Matthew and THG.,amazing.
By Barbara Edmondson
Sounds interesting, more good things for Manchester post covid
By Dave Mackie
Nice! Love to see local companies investing back into the community. I can’t wait to see these projects take place!
By Sean S