We invite residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties to view and comment on the emerging proposals for the Shena Simon Campus.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

REVISIONING THE SHENA SIMON CAMPUS

CERT, in partnership with Oliver Cookson, founder of MyProtein and Verve, are bringing forward proposals to sensitively restore and repurpose the Grade II Listed Shena Simon Campus as an upscale hotel.

The proposed redevelopment seeks to secure a long-term future for the former school building through creative reuse as a hotel, a use which respects both the built and social context.

Central also to the development, and important personally to the ownership and development teams, is the celebration of the building’s architectural and historical significance. The people whose lives have been touched by this place will be celebrated and included in its future story.

LEAVE FEEDBACK HERE

A HERITAGE-LED HOTEL CONCEPT

The proposed hotel is being brought forward in partnership with Curio Collection by Hilton, a collection of individually distinctive hotels within the wider Hilton portfolio. Many of the hotels within the portfolio are listed or heritage buildings which have been converted into hotels, each with their own individual story, and character. The emerging approach for Shena Simon seeks to place the building itself at the heart of the visitor experience, drawing inspiration from its history, architecture and the local community, past and present. The intention is that the identity of the hotel reflects and celebrates the unique heritage of the Shena Simon Campus whilst supporting its long-term future.

THE VISION

Since Manchester College vacated the Shena Simon Campus in Autumn 2025, the ownership and development team have been working since to refine proposals for the new hotel use.

Alongside the need to restore the building, which had been generally well cared for, the needs of a modern hotel offering have been considered.

The goal is to create a hub for the community, a place with an open-doors feel where people are welcome to drop in for a drink or a protein shake; perhaps to meet for work and to socialise; providing a canvas for weekends away, business trip, wedding celebrations, workouts, wellness and play in a timeless, elegant hotel destination.

KEY DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Celebrating and Enhancing Shena Simon's Heritage Character

The scheme aims to embrace the existing character of the building, ensuring its heritage significance is revealed, celebrated and conserved for future generations.

Creating a New Destination

The proposals seek to establish a distinctive new destination within Manchester city centre through the sensitive reuse of the Grade II Listed Shena Simon Campus as a hotel. By introducing a new hospitality destination, the development will attract visitors, helping to support the local economy (considering both Canal Street and the Sister enterprise zone) and contribute to the continued evolution of this part of the city centre.

Securing a Viable
Long-Term Use

By embracing the building's unique architectural features, the proposals seek to provide a high-quality hotel use that supports a sustainable long-term future for the building.

Enhancing the Setting

The proposals include the creation of Shena Simon Gardens at the front of the building, helping to enhance the setting of both the Grade II Listed Shena Simon Campus and Sackville Gardens, whilst creating a more welcoming environment for visitors. The original teachers’ entrance from Whitworth Street will be full restored. Improvements to the building's entrances and surrounding public realm will further strengthen its relationship with the wider area.

Strengthening Connections

The development seeks to strengthen connections between Shena Simon, Canal Street, Sackville Gardens, the wider Gay Village and the emerging Sister innovation district, helping to integrate the building more closely with its surroundings and support the ongoing regeneration of the area.

THE PROPOSALS

The proposals for the former Shena Simon Campus building seek to bring the Grade II Listed building back into active use as a hotel, re-establishing its presence within Manchester city centre.

The design approach is rooted in the sensitive adaptation of the existing building, celebrating its unique architectural features and historic fabric whilst creating a high-quality hotel offering. An enhanced entrance and the creation of Shena Simon Gardens will improve the setting of the building and strengthen its relationship with Sackville Gardens, creating attractive spaces for residents, visitors and guests.

Together, the proposals seek to secure the future of an important Manchester heritage asset through a sustainable new use that supports the city's visitor economy and enables the building to continue contributing to the economic, cultural and social life of Manchester.

RESPONDING TO FEEDBACK

Throughout the design process so far, we have worked closely with Manchester City Council to ensure the proposals respond appropriately to the character and significance of the building. We have met with Planning and Heritage Officers at the Council to present the proposals, listen to feedback and refine the emerging design accordingly.

The purpose of this public consultation is to share the proposals in their current form and provide an opportunity for local residents and communities, businesses, and stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback. The feedback gathered will be reviewed by the project team and used to inform the continued development of the proposals.

Feedback received through the consultation will be considered alongside ongoing design development and engagement with Manchester City Council as the proposals progress towards the submission of planning and listed building consent applications.

KEY FEATURES

Hotel accommodation – 167 guest rooms
Hospitality and guest facilities – 200 capacity events space
Restaurant and bar overlooking Sackville Gardens
Gym and wellness facilities
Meetings, events and conference spaces
Hotel reception, library and lounge
Restored original hotel entrance on Whitworth Street, with improved accessibility
Shena Simon Gardens, accessed via Chorlton Street, and public realm improvements

HAVE YOUR SAY

A Public Consultation Drop-in Event will take place at
Colony Piccadilly, 5 Piccadilly Place,
Aytoun St, Manchester, M1 3BR

on Wednesday 7th October 5pm to 8pm.

If you would like to submit your feedback online, you can do so using the form.

The deadline for feedback is
Wednesday 14th October 2026.