The group behind some of Manchester‘s worst hotels has reported record profits, despite its less-than-stellar reputation in the city and across the UK more generally.
Britannia Hotels, which is behind the infamous Northern Quarter hotel Sacha’s and the Britannia Hotel on Portland Street amongst others, suddenly appears to have become a popular place to stay – if its takings are anything to go by.
The company reported a loss of £9.5m in 2021, but in the following year revealed its pre-tax profits to be £33.3m.
The chain is also behind the Britannia Airport Hotel, as well as having further sites in Wigan, Stockport and Bolton, and has been consistently rated the worst in the UK for ten years consistently.
Its most recognisable city centre hotel Sacha’s has been referred to as the city’s very own Cecil Hotel, with reviewers on TripAdvisor regularly calling it the ‘worst hotel in Manchester’ and comparing its rooms to a ‘prison cell.’
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One reviewer, posting under the username Vincent B, confessed he couldn’t even make it through the night and checked out seven hours into his stay.
He wrote: “I did not even stay the night the hotel was that bad. It’s basically next door to 3 night clubs. Checked in at 16.00 and left at 23.15. Windows were so dirty and the bed was nowhere near sleepable. Will definitely not be going anywhere near me.”
Another person compared the rooms to a ‘prison cell’, writing: “The most vile place I’ve ever stayed. Location good and staff are nice but wow I can’t believe they can charge £225 a night for this hell hole.
“The rooms are like a prison cell. No proper windows and aircon doesn’t work. Have a tiny fan that doesn’t even make a difference. Huge window on the ceiling with no blind. Light from 4am so we were wide awake!! Told the reception staff whilst checking out and I honestly think they’ve heard it all before. Just said sorry for the inconvenience!! It’s grotty and it stinks.”
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A statement from the chain’s board said: “The result represents a return to performance levels comparable to pre-Covid-19 achieved during a period of difficult trading conditions which continues to limit opportunities for growth.
“Our priorities continue to be maintaining occupancy levels and to manage operating costs whilst ensuring that the business is well placed to exploit the opportunities of the future.”
“The directors remain confident that the company is in a good position to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. The hotels have managed to maintain their competitive edge through the economic downturn and continue to take steps designed to attract new business and improve market share going forward.
“The directors have carefully considered the availability of working capital and likely levels of trading over the next 12 months. They are confident that the business is well placed to meet the challenges including the current geopolitical uncertainty, cost of living crisis and the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Featured image – Wikipedia
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Work begins on new £500m ‘culture hub’ with a cinema and performance spaces in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Work is finally beginning on a new £500 million culture hub in Manchester.
The first phase of plans to transform Wythenshawe Civic has entered an exciting new chapter, with Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse officially commencing construction of the new Culture Hub – which is tipped to provide a ‘major boost’ for budding artists, and creative groups and organisations in the area.
The hub is set to include space for food and drink on the ground floor, while the first floor is home to a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes, and community events.
Locals can also expect a brand-new 40-seater cinema, which has been included following feedback given during a public consultation, and 200-seater performance space for a diverse range of performances.
Everything from dance and drama, to music and modern art will fill the performance spaces once the hub opens.
Expected to be completed in 2027, the Culture Hub sits within the first phase of a wider plan to ‘refresh’ Wythenshawe Civic, and will come to life thanks to £20 million of funding from the UK Government and a further £11.9 million from the Council.
What Wythenshawe Civic Centre looks like currently, before being transformed / Credit: Wikipedia Commons
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors,” explained Cllr Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“This is the drive behind the Culture Hub – a place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show, or enjoy the cinema space, right in the heart of their community.
“This is another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre.”
Joe Stockton, Development Director at Muse, called the construction of the new Culture Hub an ‘exciting moment’ for Wythenshawe.
He added: “Our aim is to create a space for the town’s talented artists and creatives to come together and give them the facilities and the space they’ve asked for, to put on amazing shows, live performances, and workshops.
“It’s all part of the wider plan to create opportunities for residents, new homes and jobs, as well as a thriving high street for people to spend time in.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Police launch investigation after man found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in Manchester road
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a man was found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in the middle of a road in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out Plymouth Grove, in the Longsight area of Manchester, at around 9pm this past Friday (30 January), and when they arrived at the scene, found a 61-year-old man lying in the road.
After being found ‘unresponsive’, the man was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently being treated for head injuries.
At this time, it is currently unknown how than man came to be in the road.
With so many questions left to answer, and a police investigation now underway being led by GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, officers are now urgently appealing to the public for witnesses and information.
“We have an open mind as we investigate how this man became to be injured,” explained PC Megan Stockton in the appeal. “However, there is the possibility he was struck by a vehicle.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, particularly anybody who may have dashcam footage taken in the area on Friday night.”
Can you help? If you have any information that could assist GMP’s investigation, then please contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 3421 of 30/01/26, or by calling 101 or using the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
14th June 2023 
