First Zedwell hotel outside London given go-ahead by Manchester planning chiefs

Manchester city centre is to get a new 187-room hotel following planning approval for the first Zedwell brand of hotel outside London.

Proposals were first submitted in August last year.

Manchester-based Buttress Architects were appointed by Criterion Capital to develop proposals for the refurbishment and conversion of the Royal Buildings, on the corner of Mosley Street and Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens.

London-based Criterion Capital is owned by billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, Asif Aziz. He is known for owning and operating key landmarks including the London Trocadero and Criterion Building in Piccadilly Circus.

Criterion acquired the building earlier last year.

Following approval, plans will see the upper four floors of the building converted into an hotel space, while the ground floor space will be unaffected.

Jay Patel, planning director at Savills based in Manchester, who secured the permission on behalf of client, Criterion Capital, said: “The addition of a high quality and affordable hotel is welcome news for Manchester and its every growing tourism economy.

“In keeping with the concept of the brand’s other four existing sites in London, the new hotel will focus on promoting quality sleep, positive health and holistic wellbeing. With a very different focus to Manchester’s current hotel offering, Zedwell Hotels use a nature-inspired décor with calming colours, natural or recycled materials, and no TVs in cocoon-like rooms to promote deep rest.

“The developer is fully committed to building a viable and deliverable scheme, and we are pleased to have secured planning permission for this hotel.”

The developer, Criterion Capital, currently operates three Zedwell hotels in central London with more than 1,000 rooms – there are a further nine hotels under construction which will be opened by 2026, taking the total to 12 Zedwell hotels and more than 4,500 rooms.

Their sights are firmly set on growing the hotel platform throughout central London and across key regional cities in the UK.

Asif Aziz founder and chief executive of Criterion Capital, said: “Criterion is fully committed to building a viable and deliverable scheme, and we are delighted to have secured planning permission for this hotel.

“The work started in early January and projected opening is Q1 2026. Bringing Zedwell to Manchester was always in the plan and now we have found the perfect location. It was important that we worked with a local team and the plans for the hotel have been designed by Manchester-based Buttress Architects.

“The new Zedwell Hotel will be targeting short term stays and people travelling through Manchester using the excellent transport links of both Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly station.”

Most of the planned hotel site is vacant, except two floors occupied by a language school which is due to relocate in June 2024.