Musical tribute as landmark hotel celebrates 10 years
MANCHESTER’S musical heritage at the former Free Trade Hall, from the Sex Pistols to Elgar, was celebrated on Thursday night as the city’s five star Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel toasted 10 years in business.
To commemorate the occasion the hotel commissioned a special piece by conductor Paul Campbell, performed by the Halle Orchestra – which used to be based at the Free Trade Hall – and guests were treated to an unique compilation of music featuring sections of work from Weber, Abba, Queen, Sibelius, Rachmaninoff, The Smiths, Bob Dylan, Shirley Bassy, Take That and Oasis.
Manchester city council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein revealed the project to create the hotel 10 years ago had “given him more sleepless nights” than any other regeneration scheme during his career such was the level of opposition to it.
Paying warm tribute to the property and its general manager Stephen Miles for “an immense contribution to the city”, Sir Howard said: “This is a lot more than just a 10th birthday party – for some of us this is a journey of more than 20 years.
“It took a long, long time to get to a position where we could develop this building into the quality hotel it is today.
“The level of oppostion was enormous given that, beyond the facade – which was preserved – the rest of the building had very little architectural merit. I think we had to go back with three planning applications, but we have delivered something of real value to Manchester.”
General mananger Stephen Miles told guests that 2015 would begin the next phase of development at the site. The first stage of the project he said would see the refurbishment of the ground floor, the installation of a new kitchen, the addition of more rooms and upgraded suites, ahead of the work to convert the former Theatre Royal site next door.
Mr Miles said: “My family and I have been in Manchester for 12 years now and have been made welcome since day one and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved here.
“It’s great to celebrate this building’s musical heritage and also look forward to the future with excitement.
“We had a record year last year and this year is up 10% on that which is a fantastic achievement to all the team.”
He said his challenge is to keep the hotel looking like it had just opened, and over the last decade had invested £5.5m, including £4m in the last two years.
“We are paranoid about continuous improvement and know that this is a competitive market, so it is great that we have never dropped out of Trip Advisor’s top 10.”
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