Spinningfields Moxy Hotel set for November start

Manchester’s first Moxy Hotel is set to start on site before Christmas with Bardsley lined up as main contractor, Place North West understands.

The project, brought forward by Henry Boot Developments with Marriott brand Moxy as operator, is at Invicta House near Spinningfields, and features a 35,000 sq ft steel-clad extension behind the building’s existing façade.

Planning permission was first secured for the redevelopment and extension of the 15,000 sq ft Invicta House as an office project known as Silk Works, but in May last year, Henry Boot opted for a change-of-use into a 130-bedroom hotel.

Bardsley is understood to be lined up as main contractor for the £15m project, and subject to legal agreements, the project is targeted for a November start.

NJL Consulting is advising on planning and Northmill Associates is the appointed architect for the scheme.

Once it begins on site, the project will add to a raft of hotel schemes Bardsley has won in the city centre, where it is also working on the 224-bed StayCity aparthotel in New Cross, designed by architect SimpsonHaugh. It is also nearing completion on the £15.5m AC Hotel by Marriott on Mason Street in Ancoats; this project features 172 rooms and has again been designed by SimpsonHaugh.

The Moxy brand was launched in 2016 by Marriott, described as “a millennial-focused boutique concept” focused on “fun-hunter travellers”.

It made its debut at Aberdeen International Airport the same year, where Henry Boot Developments is also delivering the £330m Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Robertson is main contractor for the conference centre.

Henry Boot Developments and Bardsley were both approached for comment.