Cheval signs joint venture for first My Locanda site 

Cheval Collection has signed a joint venture with Chris Stewart Group to open its first property under the newly unveiled My Locanda brand.

The 168-unit Glasgow site is due to open in the first quarter of 2024, and will be operated by serviced apartment operator Cheval Collection.

The site will be located on a development adjacent to Glasgow City Chambers on George Square. Guests, business and leisure travellers and longer-term residents will be able to choose from a range of apartments including 104 studio apartments, 62 one-bedroom apartments, and two one-bedroom suites with panoramic views over the city.

Chris Stewart, CEO of Chris Stewart Group, said: “My Locanda will be a superb addition to our Love Loan development in Glasgow. 

“Its international outlook and design-led approach will attract both short and long-term residents and matches our vision for the development which will include a range of high quality, cosmopolitan lifestyle, retail and food and drink brands. Having worked successfully with Cheval in Edinburgh, I’m delighted to continue the relationship with this new venture in Glasgow.”

Mohammed Almarzooqi, managing director for Cheval Collection, added: “In December 2018 we announced our vision for Cheval Collection to expand beyond key cities in the UK and to take on new management contracts both in the domestic and overseas markets. The launch of our exciting new brand, My Locanda, demonstrates that vision coming to life, and we are already talking to many developers and investors about future locations.”

The My Locanda brand will reportedly centre around the accommodation, supported by a “strong” F&B offering and The Lounge, a community space open to guests and local residents. 

It will look to “blur the lines” between hotels and serviced apartments, with communal kitchens and the ‘Wall of Curiosity’, allowing residents and locals to borrow and loan items sourced from the community during their stay.