Today’s news in brief – 28/5/24
Baguley Hall, a historic manor house in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, has been put on the market on behalf of Historic England. This late 13th-century timber-framed structure, situated on a two-acre property near Manchester Airport, has undergone significant repairs to attract future occupants. Plans for its potential uses, including a food-based pub, boutique hotel, or events centre, have been prepared by Thomas Ford and Partners and IKS cost consultants. Will Tait from Colliers, who is managing the sale, emphasises the building’s suitability for hospitality due to its layout and location. Historic England aims to transfer the property to a company that will sympathetically restore and operate it, ensuring public access. Catherine Dewar, North West regional director at Historic England, highlights the hall’s historical significance and anticipates finding an exciting new use for this landmark.
Cedar Court Hotel Huddersfield has partnered with The Piece Hall, a historic landmark in Yorkshire, to enhance visitor experiences. This collaboration offers premium accommodation and exclusive deals for guests attending events at The Piece Hall. The partnership includes special packages, direct booking links contributing to The Piece Hall Trust, and exclusive promotions for event-goers. The Piece Hall, a Georgian cloth hall in Halifax, hosts various cultural events, significantly contributing to Yorkshire’s cultural scene. Shaun Guest, the hotel manager, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasising its support for local culture and providing guests opportunities to explore Yorkshire’s rich history and vibrant events.
Apex Hotels has been named one of the top 100 Scottish companies in Grant Thornton’s Scotland Limited report for 2024, following substantial growth. The report highlights Scotland’s top 100 private limited companies, which generate £40bn in revenue and employ about 136,000 people. Apex Hotels has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy, including the sale of Apex London Wall Hotel and a refinancing deal with Barclays. The group acquired Pitlochry’s Pine Trees Hotel and Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course as part of its expansion. CEO Angela Vickers attributes their success to strong market confidence and a diverse acquisition strategy, emphasising sustainable growth and community-focused initiatives.
Aparthotel provider Adagio has significantly expanded its franchise network, growing from five franchised venues in 2018 to 28 today. This expansion includes the upcoming opening of Adagio Original Abidjan Marcory, its first sub-Saharan location, and Adagio Original London Whitechapel. Supported by 50% shareholder Accor, Adagio’s growth has been robust, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. CEO Xavier Desaulles attributes this success to franchise development aligning with real estate owner expectations. Matthieu Blanc of the Arrelia Group expressed enthusiasm for working with Adagio, recognizing its strong reputation and value in the aparthotel sector.
