Article from BTNews 15 APRIL 2019
Bloc plots major UK growth
A major expansion in the UK and Europe is under way for Bloc Hotels, whose designer properties in Gatwick’s South Terminal and Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter have already proved a hit with business travellers.
Construction of a new flagship hotel is under way at Grand Central in Birmingham, with further growth in the UK focused on new hotels earmarked for London, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Cities on the drawing board for European expansion plans include Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona and Milan. Property director Dominic Mayes said: “As an award-winning designer brand specialising in affordable luxury, Bloc is ready for significant growth with primary target locations in the UK.
“We are particularly keen to secure additional sites on transport hubs, such as the existing hotel at Gatwick, and we shall also be looking at the main gateway locations in Europe.”
Mayes said the company’s preference was for new-build properties but it would also consider conversions which it could either buy and develop itself or lease from third-party developers.
The landmark 22-storey Bloc Grand Central hotel in Birmingham now under construction will feature high-tech design and fit-out as part of the city council’s vision to make the New Street Station area a new visitor destination.
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