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A unique new Manchester hotel made out of shipping containers opens its doors tomorrow

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A brand new hotel made entirely out of shipping containers is opening its doors to the public tomorrow – and it’s already fully booked for its opening weekend.

The Holiday Inn Express in the Trafford City complex is being unveiled as the north west’s first modular hotel thanks to its innovative construction design.

The 220 guest hotel next to EventCity uses purpose-built steel shipping containers complete with fully finished interior fixtures and fittings, as well as full height windows, carpets, wallpaper, and ceiling and light fittings – all of which were installed before being delivered to the site.

The modules, which weigh approximately 20 tonnes each (the equivalent of eight Land Rovers), are individually stacked, with all 220 guest rooms installed within a 4 week period. The hotel was given an external finish to create a more attractive appearance.

The hotel will be one of the first in the UK to offer the Holiday Inn’s latest Generation 4 guest experience, with new guest room designs developed to meet the needs of today’s ‘smart traveller’.


Pic leeboswellphotography.com

Each room is fitted with a smart TV that enables guests to stream their own media from a personal device or log in to apps such as Netflix using the hotel’s wi-fi. It also features a flexible work/rest corner which includes a comfortable chair and table combination that can be moved around the room which has multiple USB ports to charge devices.

There’s also a lobby, dining area, gym and bar, in addition to a new food and beverage concept being tested.

There are currently over 17 million shipping containers in the world, of which around six million are in operation aboard vessels, trucks and trains. In total, they make around 200 million combined trips per year and are responsible for the majority of the planet’s transportation. So it’s safe to say that they are pretty reliable.

Given their strength and affordability, it’s not hard to see why shipping containers have become an increasingly popular building tool for architects. Their modular construction technique has been used in a variety of builds, including the creation of houses, music venues, microbreweries, pop-up gyms and even spas.

Peter de la Perrelle, managing director of Tower Hotel Management, operators of the new hotel, said: “The hotel is Holiday Inn’s latest design with cleverly designed modern rooms to maximise space, focus on technology and enhance the entire guest experience.

Pic: leeboswellphotography.com

“It’s perfect for a comfortable and convenient stopover whether on business or enjoying leisure time within this ever-growing Trafford City destination. The planned arrival of the TfGM Metrolink line in several years’ time will only increase the hotel’s appeal.”

Located on a 1.75 acre site at EventCity, the hotel is the official partner for the popular events venue and will provide a convenient stopover for leisure and business visitors.

“We’re looking forward to working directly with EventCity to offer streamlined services to visitors, and also with the Topland Group, joint funders of this hotel,” said Perrelle.

“EventCity has some huge shows coming up this year and we’ve been taking bookings well ahead of opening, with a full house for our first weekend.

Trafford City attracts over 40 million visitors every year, making it a hub for business professionals. As such, the Holiday Inn Express hotel is fitted with a range of business facilities, including meeting and conference rooms, wi-fi accessibility, and a catering package that can meet the dietary requirements of most guests.

The hotel is the first project by the joint venture, Topland Group, Marick Capital and Mill Lane Estates. Architects for the project are Chapman Taylor and the main contractors are Bowmer and Kirkland.

For more information visit towerhotelmanagement.co.uk or to book a stay in the new hotel, visit hietraffordcity.co.uk

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