Iconic Manchester TV studios to become event hotel
by Kath Hudson | 20 Nov 2014
Th development follows the recent takeover of The Lowry as Manchester's hotel sector heats up
Developer Allied London has revealed plans to redevelop Manchester’s Granada Studios, the former home of Coronation Street, into an event hotel.
Studios, rehearsal and production rooms - including the studio where The Beatles played their first ever live TV performance - will be brought to life with a programme of live entertainment, for which guests will be able to buy packages.
Development of The Manchester Grande is expected to begin in 2016, following a formal planning process. The hotel will incorporate four restaurants and a number of bars, including a top-floor members club. It will form a key part of the development of the St Johns neighbourhood.
Inspired by hotels in New York, Miami and the Far East, the focus will be on music, film, theatre and arts and club events.
Michael Ingall, CEO of Allied London, said: “We’re creating a new neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester. A place that distinguishes itself by its unique cultural history, diverse mix of inhabitants, rich context and its position at the crossroads of Manchester’s network.”
Levitt Bernstein Associates has been appointed as architect. The firm has collaborated with Allied London on a number of projects including the nearby No 1. Hardman Street.
Gary Tidmarsh, chair at Levitt Bernstein, added: “The creation of St Johns, with the exciting concept for the Manchester Grande at its heart, will preserve the studios as a key part of Manchester’s heritage and cultural destination.”
A rooftop lounge bar is being created on the ninth story, which will look like a glowing box on the Manchester skyline and replace the iconic Granada sign. The bar is to be constructed on a network of fine columns, to give the sense that it is floating above the hall below.
Developer Allied London has revealed plans to redevelop Manchester’s Granada Studios, the former home of Coronation Street, into an event hotel. Studios, rehearsal and production rooms - including the studio where The Beatles played their first ever live TV performance - will be brought to life with a programme of live entertainment, for which guests will be able to buy packages. Development of The Manchester Grande is expected to begin
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