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Trinity North has acquired Manchester’s Great John Street Hotel from MCL GJS Propco Limited for an undisclosed sum, with plans to renovate the Grade II-listed property and secure a new luxury lifestyle hotel operator.
The acquisition marks the property investment company’s first major purchase, with work now set to progress on the historic building ahead of discussions with potential hotel operators during 2027.
Located between Spinningfields and St John’s, the former school occupies a prominent position within Manchester’s city centre, close to the city’s commercial, cultural and hospitality districts.
The property extends to approximately 30,537 sq ft and sits within the Castlefield Conservation Area.
Originally constructed as a school in the early 20th century, the building retains several distinctive architectural features, including a former rooftop playground that has been used as a bar and terrace overlooking Manchester.
Trinity North intends to build on these characteristics as it develops plans for the property’s next phase, with the ambition of attracting a luxury lifestyle hotel operator.
The company is backed by Manchester-born businessman Patrick Waldron, Managing Director of North West construction group Westshield, which was established in 1977.
Kay Tierney, a collaborating director, brings more than 20 years of experience across hotel operations, asset management and investment.
Funding for the acquisition was provided by Manchester-based specialist property lender Together, with Jenics also advising on the transaction.
Patrick Waldron, Managing Director of Trinity North, said:
“We are delighted to have acquired Great John Street Hotel and we are looking forward to delivering something truly special. We are immediately focused on driving the next phase forward and engaging leading hotel operators who have a distinctive concept and bold vision for the property in 2027.
“It is a beautiful and distinctive site in the heart of the city and it’s the perfect time to bring this Manchester icon back to life. All the previous owners have been great custodians of this historic site and we want to build on what makes it special and deliver a hospitality experience that stands alongside the best in the world.
“We are already opening conversations with operators who share that ambition to bring something bold and exceptional to our city. We know it is a high-profile platform for a hotel brand that can compete on the international stage and significantly strengthen Manchester’s hospitality offer. We’ll be sharing more exciting news about the hotel in the coming months.”
Great John Street Hotel is situated close to several of Manchester’s established visitor attractions and commercial developments, including Aviva Studios, the Science and Industry Museum and Castlefield Bowl.
The surrounding St John’s district has also attracted significant investment, with Enterprise City and the former Granada Studios site developing into a commercial, hospitality and entertainment destination.
Nearby developments include Soho House, Mollie’s and VERSA Studios, alongside restaurants and hospitality operators serving the city’s growing business and leisure markets.
Trinity North believes the property’s location and architectural heritage provide opportunities for an established luxury hotel operator to introduce a new concept to Manchester.
Ritchie Watson, Corporate Sales Director at Together, said:
“Trinity North has secured one of the many jewels in Manchester’s crown and we are delighted to have supported the acquisition of this landmark hotel in Manchester. It’s an exciting opportunity for a new highly experienced operational team to deliver one of the region’s most sought-after hospitality offerings.
“As a lender with deep roots in the North West, we’re beyond proud to support investment that contributes to Manchester’s continued regeneration and growth. The city has a fantastic track record of reinventing and repurposing its property, and landmark buildings like this have an important role to play in its next chapter.
“By continuing to back experienced businesses with funding to invest in these assets, together, we can help unlock potential and support the continued development of Manchester as a place to live, work and visit.”
The acquisition forms part of Trinity North’s plans to invest in and reposition the property, with renovation work intended to prepare the building for its next phase of hotel operations.
Discussions with prospective operators are under way, although the company has not yet announced an operating partner, investment programme value or reopening date.
Further details of the renovation and plans for the hotel are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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