VIDEO | GMI tops out on Leeds Hyatt
The contractor has reached the highest point of construction on the £62.7m hotel, the final part of the city’s Sovereign Square development.
Situated next to Leeds City railway station, the 12-storey 305-bedroom hotel is a joint venture between Marrico and Helios for UK Commercial Property REIT (UKCM) and Hyatt. Leeds-based DLA Architecture designed the building.
Hospitality company Aimbridge will operate the 140,000 sq ft hotel on behalf of UKCM, under a 25-year franchise agreement with Hyatt Hotels, which is growing its presence within the UK market.
The destination will operate under the dual brands of Hyatt House and Hyatt Place, providing short and long stay accommodation for business and leisure guests.
GMI started work on site in May 2022 following the site’s purchase from Leeds City Council.
Steve Ford, development director at Marrico, said: “This is a project that delivers quality hotel accommodation into the epicentre of the city’s dynamic commercial, retail, and leisure landscapes.
“Situated in a prime position, it will be operated by a leading global hotel operator and is sure to further raise Leeds’ profile as a coveted destination for business and leisure travellers alike.”
Natalie Lever, development director of Helios, added: “The Hyatt business model is both resilient and flexible by serving the needs of both long and short stay business and leisure travellers, all underpinned by an extremely strong brand. I now look forward to seeing the final elements of 2 Sovereign Square take shape and begin to make a valuable contribution to the city’s economy.”
DLA said that the building is inspired by the city’s merchandising and textile past, with a façade set in an arrangement of terracotta and light beige brickwork withy detailing around the recessed window bays. The ground floor frontages will sit behind a colonnade.
Features include meeting rooms, an on-site gym, a ground floor restaurant and bar extending into the public square, together with an independent rooftop bar with views over Leeds and the surrounding area.
Michael Clements, senior asset manager at UKCM, said: “This is our first significant investment in both the city of Leeds and the operational hotel sector, and so the topping out of this 305-bedroom hotel in Leeds is an exciting milestone for us as we move towards its opening next year. Once complete, this project will be a brilliant, new addition to the Leeds City skyline and will provide a high-quality offering for professionals, businesses and tourists alike.”
Chris Weathers, GMI’s Group’s commercial director, said: “Topping out is a real milestone moment, which signals the countdown to final completion. It’s not only a statement building, but also represents the culmination of the wider Sovereign Square development, which has succeeded in regenerating the area and making it one of the city’s go-to destinations.”
Work started in May 2022. Credit: via Recognition
