New NQ hotel plan revealed
AN IMAGE of a new restaurant and four-storey hotel in the heart of the Northern Quarter has been released.
Developer Agecroft has released details of the scheme on 52-58 Thomas Street.
Much of the current site was demolished last October after council officials said it was in ‘imminent danger of collapse,’ sparking a public outcry.
Only popular takeaway AlFaisal remained open, although that has now moved to new premises on the other side of the road.
Critics accused the owner and the council of failing to protect the Northern Quarter’s heritage and a sign was pinned to the railings surrounding the site which read ‘RIP Thomas Street.’
Since then, the railings have been removed, new hoardings were erected and local street artists were invited to decorate them.
Agecroft bosses say they have been trying to develop the site for the best part of 20 years but have simply been unable to make it work until now.
Estates manager Ian Braithwaite said he has two tenants ready to sign up, pending approval of the scheme.
After consultation with council planners and residents, the proposal is for a mixed development containing a 26-room boutique hotel and a bar-restaurant.
Designed by Manchester-based GA Studio, the two businesses will be separate entities but operate within a series of interlinking buildings of between four and five-storeys.