Mark Kitson and the team at Kitson Architecture have been involved in many projects at the Midland Hotel over the years, working with different owners in the ongoing maintenance and renewal of this prestigious Grade II* listed building in Manchester city centre. In 2006, Mark Kitson was the Project Architect and Project Manager on a £13m project which involved the full refurbishment of the 312 bedrooms and all public areas. The building operation was fully reviewed at an early stage with nine additional bedrooms and a potential bar space identified and included within the project creating new revenue streams for the hotel. As lead designer of a team including two interior designers, services and structural engineers, hotel staff and client, Mark undertook the complex coordination of the phasing of works to ensure the hotel remained trading throughout with minimal disruption. In 2008, After recognising the need for additional pre-function space for the main Alexandra Suite at the Midland Hotel, Mark was instructed to undertake a review of all the available back of house spaces to identify potential refurbishment options. A scheme was submitted to convert a back bar beer store into a new pre-function bar and break out function suite. The new suite provides a separate bar area along with a new designated street entrance which enhances the potential for the use of the main function room as a standalone resource. In 2014, working closely with interior designers Curveline Design we created a truly luxurious city centre spa. The original elements of the listed building’s interior were sympathetically incorporated and fully refurbished with spaces opened up to reveal the generous volumes and the ornate ceilings lost for many years. The Spa at the Midland includes a suite of opulent treatment rooms, rasul, salt-infused steam room and Himalayan rock salt sauna. The relaxation area incorporates suspended cocoon chairs, sleep pods and semi-private seating areas with private relax niches. The room features a spectacular stacked glass wall feature to enhance the feeling of calm. To complete the transformation a new exclusive gym facility has been built along with full refurbishments of the swimming pool and changing rooms. The original street entrance has been carefully reinstated to form a fitting entrance to Manchester’s finest Spa. We have been appointed by new owners, Leonardo Hotels, to assist in the continuing refurbishment and development of one of Manchester’s best loved character hotels including the main reception area and key restaurant space.