Contractor Russells Construction has topped-out the new 330-bedroom hotel located in the Piccadilly area of the city and fronting London Road. With all of the external work now complete, the Russells team is carrying out the internal fit out of the building, which is on target to be completed by spring 2015.
Developer Livia Ltd, part of the Olympian group of companies, appointed Russells to build the city’s first Motel One, which is also the contractor’s largest hotel scheme to date. Designed by Manchester architect Hodder and Partners, the 105,000 sq ft, 14-storey building includes a reception area, restaurant and bar and is being constructed to a BREEAM Very Good standard. The façade comprises large floor-to-ceiling glazed panels for each bedroom, and the exterior has been finished in an acid etched smooth concrete with hydroscopic coating.
Director Gareth Russell said: “The external structure has been completed using an innovative precast panel solution, which we put forward to the client and the design team. This has resulted in significant benefits in terms of the build programme and quality.
“The technique meant that we could install the structural insulated concrete panels as one composite product including the windows. As a result, each of the upper floors was built to a tight programme, allowing the hotel fit-out to start well ahead of a traditionally-designed building. The design team and client embraced these proposals pre contract and all parties have benefited.”
Richard Goodwin, Construction Director for Livia Ltd, added: “Despite being located in a constrained site bound by two main roads, this project has run smoothly with the external structure now complete. Reaching this major milestone means that we’re on track to open on schedule next year providing Manchester with a new hotel offering that is sure to be a popular choice with visitors and tourists.”
The scheme is being forward funded by clients of LaSalle Investment Management.
