Theatre Royal building sold to Edwardian Group
THE Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Manchester city centre is set for a major multi-million pound expansion after its parent company bought the Theatre Royal Building next door.
The price the London-based Edwardian Group has paid for the historic building has not been disclosed. It is understood the main hotel and the Theatre Royal will be linked by walkways and although plans are at an early stage an 800-person banqueting hall is likely to be at the heart of the extension.
It was sold by the property developer Benmore which was also understood to be in talks with InterContinental Hotels Group, which owns brands such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.
The Theatre Royal opened in 1845 and is thought to have been an inspiration for the exterior of the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden.
Although its recent uses have included a nightclub, its façade on Peter Street has remained largely unaltered. In the 1920s it was re-modelled as a cinema in 1921 and since then has had various uses including a bingo hall and a latterly a nightclub.
It was abandoned several years ago and there have been a number of ambitious plans to re-develop the site.
The Edwardian Group, London is a privately owned company under the leadership of Jasminder Singh, OBE. The net value of the group is £824m. It has recently invested £120m in new acquisitions and a further £300m has been earmarked for 2013.
In a statement it said: “Edwardian Group, London will work with Manchester City Council and English Heritage in developing plans for the commercial use of the site which will include restoring elements of this potentially fine building and enhancing the experience for customers of Manchester’s finest 5-star hotel.”
