Qbic to open in Manchester

Modular budget hotel concept Qbic is set to open a site in Manchester, its second UK site following its London opening five years ago.

It is understood that work has begun on converting John Dalton House in Manchester, a former office block, into a 261-bedroom Qbic hotel, which is due to complete in February next year.

Qbic opened a 171-bedroom hotel in London's Whitechapel (pictured) in 2013 following the transformation of a disused 56,000 sq ft office building. Following the opening other London properties were anticipated but never materialised.

The brand has one other property, the Qbic Amsterdam WTC (World Trade Center), which launched in 2007.

The Qbic concept is based around reducing the time required and the environmental impact of the hotel build process. Developed in Amsterdam, ‘Qbi' is a pre-fabricated bedroom made primarily from recycled materials that can be installed within an existing structure. Qbic has subsequently introduced sustainability features including solar panels, LED and energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving measures.

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