An iconic Manchester hotel is being turned into a TREEHOUSE hotel
From a brutalist icon to a green oasis complete with a 'secret forest' treehouse canopy and new top floor restaurant and bar, there's an exciting new development coming to Deansgate
It’s all change for the long-standing Deansgate hotel the Renaissance, as London developer Starwood Capital Investments reveals it is taking over the building and turning it into a new treehouse hotel complete with a ‘secret forest’ treehouse canopy.
Suffice to say that the brutalist icon is set to be completely transformed at the hands of London design company 93ft – and the plans sound pretty magical to us.
Designers will be working within the existing structure to create a new, green oasis, adding in some sustainable design features like a kitchen garden that will harvest its own rainwater and a rooftop apiary that will produce the hotel’s own honey.
Plans for the first phase of development include a new top-floor restaurant and bar, with another ‘crowning’ rooftop venue offering striking views across the city centre from the location at the end of Deansgate.
And fun features like stepping stones in the lift lobbies and a unique ‘living wooden art piece’ guest book – which you’re actually encouraged to carve your name into – will introduce some childlike wonder to the redevelopment.
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Elsewhere, alongside 216 smart new guest rooms, the hotel will also boast a communal gym complete with bespoke space hoppers designed especially for the Treehouse brand.
The site will be the second Treehouse Hotel to open in the UK, following the flagship boutique hotel in Marylebone, London.
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The existing Renaissance site, originally built as an office in 1972, is being redeveloped by Starwood Capital Investments (part of the vast IHG Group) in partnership with Property Alliance Group.
It’s not the first hotel Starwood Capital Investments has developed in Manchester, either. The company previously renovated the Principal Hotel in 2017, now known as the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
Speaking on the new development, Starwood Capital Group chairman and chief executive Barry Sternlicht said:
“I’m really excited to launch our second Treehouse Hotel in the UK. Manchester is as much a destination for travellers as a gathering place for its energetic local community.
“Our Treehouse will introduce a new execution of fun and witty, and provide an imaginative hospitality experience. As a sustainable brand, we will reuse and repurpose the existing building. We are thrilled to set roots in the city of Manchester.”
Alex Russell, managing director of Property Alliance Group, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing Treehouse, one of the most exciting global hotel brands, to Manchester which will be their second UK location after London. The brand will inject much-needed life and personality into this prominent landmark site, changing the perception of the building and driving footfall and activity to the area.”
The new Treehouse hotel is expected to open in 2023.
Feature image – Starwood Capital Group / 93ft .
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
