Wykeland submits £25m plans for stylish Moxy hotel in Hull city centre

Leading commercial property developer Wykeland Group has submitted revised plans for a stylish new hotel in Hull city centre, under the Marriott group’s chic Moxy brand.

Subject to planning approval, a £25m investment would see the hotel built opposite the city’s Connexin Live arena.

Hull-based Wykeland already has planning permission for a hotel on the site. With Moxy now lined up, revised plans have been submitted to Hull City Council to meet the hotel brand’s specific requirements.

The development is planned for a site on Waterhouse Lane, next to the recently-restored Castle Buildings and former Earl de Grey pub, and delivery of the hotel would mark the completion of a transformative regeneration project across the wider site. 

Jonathan Stubbs, Wykeland’s Development Director, said: “We’re proud of our work to restore Castle Buildings and the Earl de Grey and 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 plans are for a seven-storey hotel with 122 bedrooms. The ground floor would include a bar and food area, a gym and a relaxation space, and business section.

The hotel would be the first to be built in Hull for almost a decade, since the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton in 2017, and would meet a pent-up demand for accommodation in the city centre. 

Independent market research commissioned by Wykeland found there are 100 nights every year when city centre hotel capacity is full, with potential visitors forced to stay outside of the city.

The hotel would be owned by Wykeland and operated by Legacy Hotel Management Services, which manages more than 25 hotels across the UK on behalf of developers, investors and property owners. 

Moxy is Marriott’s quirky, non-traditional brand, offering guests a buzzing, contemporary vibe. Guests are welcomed with a drink as they check in at the bar, with convenient food options available both in the bar and at a grab-and-go counter.

Moxy hotels can be found in 130 locations in more than 25 countries, with each hotel designed with a unique theme reflecting the host city. In the UK, Moxy has hotels in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. Internationally, Moxy can be found in the likes of Bangkok, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon.

Molly Turpie, Senior Manager, International Hotel Development, for Marriott International Hotels, said: “Hull is a city with a strong cultural identity and growing visitor appeal, making it an ideal location for Moxy’s playful, design-led approach. 

“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 hotel would be adjacent to the Grade II-listed Castle Buildings, which now incorporates the rebuilt former Earl de Grey pub, following a £2m project by Wykeland which rescued the Hull landmarks from dereliction.