Dakota plans Manchester Airport site for 2026 opening

Dakota Hotels wants to expand a new site at Manchester Airport, bringing its sleek hotel brand to the Mix Manchester development for which a planning application has been submitted to Manchester City Council.

KPP Architects are designing a new 154-bedroom hotel with a destination Bar and brasserie-style Grill, as well as 130 onsite parking spaces and an airport terminal shuttle.

Gareth Jackson, Group Property Director for Manchester Airports Group, who has launched a revised masterplan for the site described Dakota as “the perfect partner to join other forward-thinking companies” at the site.

The Dakota group is being advised by Asteer.

Dakota Group was founded by veteran Scottish hotelier Ken McCulloch, who originally founded the Malmaison hotel brand in 1994. It also operates hotels in Leeds, and three in Scotland. Dakota Newcastle – their first property in the North East – plans to open in Spring 2025. 

Andrew Ovenstone, Managing Director of Dakota Hotels, commented: “This is a significant moment for Dakota Hotels, and this Airport expansion marks an exciting time for our team and guests alike.”

“With routes covering four continents of the world and increasing numbers of passengers and flights year on year, Manchester Airport is a fast-growing global gateway to the North. We are looking forward to being part of the journey for the 28 million travellers that come through their doors – bringing our unique brand of luxury hospitality to the Airport hotel market.”

Dakota expect to generate up to 150 jobs.

Subject to planning consent, Dakota Manchester Airport hopes to open its doors in 2026.