My Locanda serviced apartment brand to debut in Glasgow

Cheval Collection has signed a joint venture with developer Chris Stewart Group to open the first property under its My Locanda brand in Glasgow.

The site, which is due to open in the first quarter of 2024 with 168 units, will be operated by serviced apartment provider Cheval Collection.

The company plans to grow the brand through management contracts, working with real estate developers, family offices, HNW individuals and other investors, focusing on cities in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Locanda is Italian for small hotel or restaurant.

My Locanda Glasgow will be located on a development adjacent to Glasgow City Chambers on George Square and will have 104 studio apartments, 62 one-bed apartments, and two one-bedroom suites. The site has been designed by Hoskins Architects while 3DReid devised the interiors.

Investor and developer Chris Stewart, chief executive of Chris Stewart Group, said: “My Locanda will be a superb addition to our Love Loan development in Glasgow. Its international outlook and design-led approach will attract both short and long-term residents and matches our vision for the development which will include a range of high quality, cosmopolitan lifestyle, retail and food and drink brands. Having worked successfully with Cheval in Edinburgh, I’m delighted to continue the relationship with this new venture in Glasgow.”

Mohammed Almarzooqi, managing director for Cheval Collection, said: “In December 2018 we announced our vision for Cheval Collection to expand beyond key cities in the UK and to take on new management contracts both in the domestic and overseas markets. The launch of our exciting new brand, My Locanda, demonstrates that vision coming to life, and we are already talking to many developers and investors about future locations.”

My Locanda was launched to offer stylish, design-led apartments where guests can feel part of the local community. The brand is upscale to upper upscale but still offers “a more affordable price point for guests”. A typical property will include 20% studio units, 20% one-bedroom units and 60% studios with sofa beds, suitable for both long and short stays.

Properties will have an F&B offering and lounge, open to guests and locals, as well as communal kitchens and a ‘wall of curiosity’ where residents and locals can borrow and loan items.

The Cheval Collection also includes the Cheval Residences and Cheval Maison brands.