Champneys appoints DA for £10m revamp of Mottram Hall

Newly merged practices join forces for a substantial refurbishment of renowned Grade II* listed Champneys spa complex

Darling Associates’ Wilmslow-based leisure and hospitality specialist architecture studio has been appointed by Champneys, the leading spa resort group, for the £10 million refurbishment of Mottram Hall.

Mottram Hall is an 18^th century Grade II* listed building that comprises a hotel, spa and golf course in addition to conference and events facilities. Built in 1721 by Nathaniel Booth, Mottram Hall was converted into a hotel in 1940 and features formal gardens which are surrounded by two hundred and seventy acres of parkland.

Recently acquired by Champneys from real estate investment company Aprirose, Mottram Hall’s redevelopment will include a 20m swimming pool, new wet and thermal experiences, plus the addition of 18 new treatment rooms. There are also plans for new conference facilities, an extension to the club house on the Championship golf course, and an increase in the number of bedrooms to 150.

Darling Associates have been appointed to lead on Mottram Hall’s refurbishment and will be working on its expansion to the spa, gym and golf club facilities, in addition to adding a new conservatory and a restaurant and bar area. The Wilmslow studio, formerly known as Architect-CT and acquired earlier this year, has particular expertise in addressing the challenges presented by historic buildings and as part of the refurbishment, the practice will also be charged with the restoration of the original entrance and reception.

Construction on site is expected to commence in 2019.

Lee Bradley, Project Director

Lee Bradley, Project Director, said: “The appointment on Mottram Hall is prestigious and a fantastic result of the joint approach that Architect CT and Darling Associates have taken since our partnership earlier this year. Mottram Hall is a unique project and we’re excited to oversee its redevelopment, as a leading leisure destination in Cheshire.”

Chris Darling, Managing Director

Chris Darling, Managing Director, Darling Associates, said: “It is fitting that Mottram Hall, our first joint project, is in the North West and we’re thrilled that our partnership with Architect CT is already reaping rewards. It demonstrates how we are now increasingly able to work across an expanded portfolio of services and sectors, to result in our collective ongoing success. Following a successful year, we’re looking forward to continuing working with the talented team at Architect CT to expand our portfolio of regional projects and also to enhance our skills in the hotel and hospitality sectors. “

Established in 1983, Architect-CT has grown to become a leading provider of architecture and interior design solutions to the pubs and hotels sector, working on many notable hospitality projects, including pubs The Sir John Hawkshaw in Cannon Street station and Flying Chariot at Heathrow Airport, and hotels such as Belsfield, a Laura Ashley Hotel in the Lake District, and Hotel Indigo Bath, which is currently under construction.

Architect CT was acquired by Darling Associates earlier this year following several years of growth and success for the London-based practice, which in 2018 celebrated its 15th anniversary.