THG gets go-ahead for Hale farmhouse venture
The e-commerce giant has gained approval to covert Paddock Farm off Wellfield Lane into a luxury guesthouse as part of its Hale Country Club masterplan.
The Hut Group’s Paddock Farm project is the latest stage of the company’s venture into property and hospitality following the acquisition of King Street Townhouse, Great John Street Hotel, and 100 King Street in Manchester.
The company is upgrading those properties as part of a strategy to grow its marketing infrastructure.
THG is taking a similar approach in Hale, where it owns the country club as well as several surrounding assets. The company plans to convert Paddock Farm, 39 Clay Lane and Holly Tree Cottage, into high-end serviced accommodation.
Paddock Farm is to be revamped to create a five-bedroom holiday rental that will be available as spa breaks accommodation “available for exclusive hire only to Hale Country Club members and VIP guests for midweek breaks and weekend stays”, according to THG.
Trafford Council signed-off the proposals this week.
The Paddock Farm site comprises a two-storey detached property with a large garden in the Green Belt to the north of Wellfield Lane. It comprises the main original farm house and two outbuildings linked by covered archways.
Plans for Hale Country Club include an artificial surfing facility. Credit: via planning documents
Under THG’s plans, the property’s courtyard would be partially infilled with a covered glass structure to create a central circulation space linking the farmhouse and the outbuildings.
In addition, the upgrade of the house includes a newly-created games room.
The existing garage will be converted to a sauna and steam room, while the outbuildings are to be transformed into a guest suite.
The project, designed by EPR Architects, also includes an outdoor pool. The accommodation will be managed by the Hale Country Club and associated staff.
THG’s plans for Hale Country Club and Spa, located on the opposite side of Clay Lane to Paddock Farm, include a full refurbishment, and the installation of an all-weather sports pitch and an artificial surfing facility.
Euan Kellie Property Solutions is advising THG on planning across its portfolio of projects.
In Manchester, THG has several pipeline schemes aimed at breathing new life into its city centre assets.
Kennedy Street – numbers 16, 20 and 24 Kennedy Street are to be converted into offices for its beauty brand ESPA, a restaurant and boutique hotel accommodation
King Street Townhouse – the e-commerce firm wants to refurbish and extend the four-star hotel in Manchester by converting a 9,800 sq ft former champagne bar and restaurant on Booth Street into a gym and spa
Great John Street Hotel – addition of a single-storey glass extension, reconfiguration of the rooftop bar, and bedroom upgrades
100 King Street – THG plans to covert the former Jamie’s Italian unit into an experiential marketing space to showcase its brands, providing an ‘immersive retail experience’ to members of the public.
