Free Trade Hall on the market
MANCHESTER’S iconic Free Trade Hall building – currently home of the city’s 263-bed five-star Radisson Edwwardian Hotel- has been placed on the market.
The building had until last month been owned by Manchester-based surveyor Stephen Baker, but via his company Free Trade Hall Hotel Ltd.
It was placed into administration last month, with Matt Dunham and Les Ross from the Manchester office of accountancy firm Grant Thornton being appointed as administrators. It has now appointed hospitality specialist Christe + Co as agents.
Radisson Edwardian occupies the building under a long-term management contact, which remains in place. It has conference, function and meeting rooms alongside a restaurant, several bars and health and leisure facilities.
At the top of the building are four luxury penthouse suites offering views over the site and 18 ‘al fresco’ suites with their own entertaining area.
Martin Davis, director at Christie + Co’s Manchester office, said: “We are delighted to have been given the instruction to market this iconic and historic Manchester property.
“With its unique history, fantastic central Manchester location and its luxurious facilities, the Radisson Edwardian represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the city’s finest hotels, located directly opposite the Manchester Central.
“We expect there to be significant interest from a variety of local and national investors. Radisson Edwardian continues to manage this profitable and robust business and there will be no disruption to guest services or staff as a result of the sales process.”
The Free Trade Hall was built in 1840 and was initially a site for improtant political debates and events. It later became a concert venue for The Halle Orchestra, and subsequently hosted famous gigs by artists such as Bob Dylan and The Sex Pistols.
