Piccadilly hotel to be ‘UK’s first net zero tower’
Lamington Group’s proposals would see a long-neglected site located close to Manchester Piccadilly station redeveloped into a 31-storey hotel.
The 251-bedroom hotel, to be operated by Room2, is aiming to be the “the country’s first net zero tower”, according to a design statement by architect Bennetts Associates.
The team behind the project is aiming for an embodied carbon level of less than 500kgCO2e/m2.
The scheme, located at 12-16 Piccadilly, will also feature several publicly accessible spaces.
These include a 130-cover rooftop restaurant and a net zero lifestyle museum aimed at “inspiring behavioural change in the public and guests through the teaching of environmental issues and impacts”, the statement says.
The scheme rises to 31 storeys and includes a sloping glass roof. Credit: via consultation documents
As well as the tower, which features an angled glass canopy roof, the adjoining grade two-listed Union Bank Building will be converted into hotel rooms.
Avison Young is advising Lamington Group on planning. An application is expected to be submitted to Manchester City Council this summer.
Lamington, which claims to have already built the world’s first net zero whole life carbon hotel in London, acquired the site last September after several failed attempts to redevelop it.
The plot has an extant planning permission for 23-storey tower proposed by Japanese hotel group Toyoko, from whom Lamington bought the plot.
Lamington is a family-owned developer based in London.
Further details can be found on the consultation website.
Now we are cooking
By H
Now that is one smart development! Love the rooftop – a clear indication that shape can be achieved in a highrise building in this city (given the narrative from some that only flat roof glazed boxes are feasible) with an ambitious enough client and design team.
By Anonymous
Can’t see this happening in this location
By Gilly
Is it even a proper hotel if it is not at least 70 storeys? Where is the ambition?
By Giant Skyscraper Fan
While absolutely important can you imagine telling the kids “Sorry we’re not going to Alton Towers we’re going to the net zero lifestyle museum.”
By Katie
That looks so much better than the Tokyo design that was planned for there
By Tomo
Look better on a waterfront
By Anonymous
Would hardly call it a tower in Manchester terms (lol) but an excellent design none the less. Really hope this gets built. Other developers please take note of the shape and what can be done.
By Bob
Really impressed with this and the restoration of the building next door is a big positive. Get it built!
By Jon P
How many different hotels are to be proposed on this site before something actually gets built?
By ALL
Also, how can 31 storey made from concrete, glass and steel be carbon neutral. What nonsense. I’m not against this or any other high density development, but lets not pretend we’re not causing significant damage to the environment with these types of buildings.
By ALL
This long derelict gateway site desperately needs something; this proposal looks unrealistic though.
By Skyscrapercityaddict
It’s great to see some ambition from developers and a more inspiring looking tower.
By Anonymous
Finally something different to the awfully bland towers being rolled out by the same old architects
By New mancunian
Quality scheme! We could do with some additions to the skyline closer to the centre. Plus the street-level design looks decent.
By Top-Tier Scheme
I’ve reviewed the consultation document… I’m still struggling to find the ‘public benefit,’ although I’m in no doubt that those that can afford the new luxurious ‘social spaces’ at the top will enjoy themselves. Rather dwarfing the heritage asset of course….
By Anon
Anon 10:33 is right.
They should build stuff like this at Salford Quays
By Anonymous
Nice bit of greenwashing there
A bit of green and lots of expensive curved glass to make it a nice hotbox!
Will never get built
By Greenwasher
Is this actually a net 0 development or will they just be paying for some trees to be planted somewhere?
By MC
MC there is not such thing as a net zero developer, it’s a ruse
By Gilly
My god these comments are depressing to read. The nimby’s are in full force with this one (or maybe it’s just one person). Get it built. A cracking design. Makes a change from the usual SimpsonHaugh and Jon Matthews designs. Giving someone else a change. Now all we need is a Tim Groom tower.
By Andrew
This is nice.
By Elephant
I like the brick and stone cladding of the podium.
By John
This is going to upset the Brummies, I thought they were going to have the net zero tower
By Anonymous