Whitworth Locke slated for October opening
Following the launches of its London and Edinburgh venues, Locke Hotels has announced that it will bring its design-led aparthotel concept to Manchester this October with Whitworth Locke. Previously a historic cotton mill, Whitworth Locke is being transformed by New York architects and designers Grzywinski+Pons. The finished development will celebrate the city’s industrial past whilst embracing its dynamic and creative present and future.
The new lifestyle destination will be the organisation’s largest venue to date, comprised of 160 studios and one-bedroom suites. Central to Locke’s mission, the property’s socially focussed spaces will include co-working venue Locke Works, a CrossFit Gym and yoga studio, a cocktail bar, wine bar, healthy all-day dining, apparel kiosk and a partnership with the local Foundation Coffee House.
Eric Jafari, Locke’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, comments: “Manchester was the natural choice for our third venture. The city is dynamic, progressive and innovative, comprised of like-minded locals and brands. Whitworth Locke seamlessly blends the gritty, industrial heritage of the city with the design features and luxe interiors synonymous with the Locke brand.”
Each studio revolves around Locke’s bespoke L-shaped sofas, allowing guests to work, lounge or socialise in comfort. The result is billed as a modern take on the aspirational second home. Focused on offering all-encompassing destinations, Locke Hotels seeks to marry design-led accommodation with co-working spaces, restaurants and bars catered for locals. Each Locke venue is designed to reflect the local neighbourhood’s culture, taking inspiration from the area to connect guests with like-minded locals and travellers.
Jafari adds: “We’re focused on re-shaping hospitality, that’s why Locke continues to identify the ever-evolving needs of the modern traveller. We know that simply providing a place to rest is no longer enough, travellers increasingly value their social experiences and personal connections. This ethos underpins the Locke brand and is evident in the design of our venues.”
Whitworth Locke marks the third of its kind, following on from its predecessors, East London’s Leman Locke, which opened in 2016 and Eden Locke, located in Edinburgh’s New Town, which opened in 2017.
