Wykeland Group Unveils Plans for New Moxy Hotel in Hull City Centre
Wykeland Group, a prominent commercial property developer, has put forward revised proposals for a new hotel in Hull city centre, set to be part of Marriott’s trendy Moxy brand. The project, pending planning approval, represents a £25 million investment and will be situated directly opposite the Connexin Live arena.
Wykeland, based in Hull, already holds planning permission for a hotel on the same site. With the Moxy brand now confirmed, the developer has submitted updated plans to Hull City Council to align with the specific requirements of the hotel chain. The proposed location is on Waterhouse Lane, adjacent to the recently restored Castle Buildings and the former Earl de Grey pub. The hotel’s construction would signify the completion of a significant regeneration initiative across the broader area.
Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director at Wykeland, expressed pride in the restoration efforts of the Castle Buildings and the Earl de Grey, stating, “The development of a Moxy hotel would complete this prominent development site, as well as being an impressive addition to the Hull skyline. The hotel’s location, on the doorstep of the Connexin Live arena and close to Hull’s city centre, marina, Fruit Market and Old Town, make it the perfect location for both leisure and business visitors. These revised plans ensure the building reflects the stylish Moxy brand. Approval of the planning application will pave the way for the development of a high-quality new hotel that the business community, the tourism and hospitality sectors, and visitors to Hull have been crying out for.”
The revised design includes a seven-storey hotel featuring 122 bedrooms. The ground floor is planned to accommodate a bar and food area, a gym, a relaxation space, and a business section. This hotel would be the first to open in Hull in nearly a decade, following the launch of the DoubleTree by Hilton in 2017, addressing a significant demand for accommodation in the city centre.
Independent market research commissioned by Wykeland revealed that there are 100 nights each year when hotel capacity in the city centre reaches full occupancy, forcing potential visitors to seek accommodation outside Hull. The hotel will be owned by Wykeland and operated by Legacy Hotel Management Services, which oversees more than 25 hotels across the UK for various developers, investors, and property owners.
Moxy is known for its unconventional approach, providing guests with a lively, modern atmosphere. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a drink at the bar, with food options available in both the bar and a grab-and-go counter. Moxy hotels are located in 130 sites across over 25 countries, each designed with a unique theme that reflects the local culture. In the UK, Moxy has established hotels in major cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast, while internationally, locations include Bangkok, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
Molly Turpie, Senior Manager of International Hotel Development for Marriott International Hotels, stated, “We’re excited at the prospect of creating a hotel that reflects the spirit of the city while delivering the high standards and global reach of Marriott International. At Moxy, we believe hotels should be more than just a place to sleep – they should be social hubs, full of energy, creativity and personality. From check-in at the bar to buzzing communal spaces, the brand is all about creating memorable experiences at an accessible price point. Hull’s independent spirit and cultural vibrancy make it a natural fit for Moxy, and we’re excited at the prospect of bringing something fresh, playful and distinctive to the city’s hospitality scene.”
The planned hotel will be located next to the Grade II-listed Castle Buildings, which has been revitalised through a £2 million project by Wykeland, rescuing these historic Hull landmarks from dereliction.
