Moxy named as brand for £25m Hull city centre hotel development

Revised plans for the £25m Moxy Marriott hotel have been submitted to Hull City Council by developer Wykeland

Updated proposals for a new city centre hotel have been lodged with Hull City Council. The £25m scheme would operate under the Moxy brand, which forms part of the Marriott group.

Hull-based property developer Wykeland already holds planning permission for a hotel on the site. However, with Moxy now confirmed as the operator, revised proposals have been submitted to the council to satisfy the hotel brand’s particular specifications.

The development is earmarked for a plot adjacent to the recently restored Castle Buildings and the former Earl de Grey pub. The broader Myton Street area, which also encompasses the former Staples store site, has been identified as a prime regeneration opportunity within the council’s City Centre Vision.

In 2019, the council granted approval for a nine-storey, 150-bed hotel on the site near Connexin Live. The revised proposals are for a seven-storey hotel comprising 122 bedrooms.

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, reports Hull Live.

“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. This hotel will be a hugely popular addition to the city centre and attract more visitors to Hull, bringing with it wider economic benefits and new jobs.”

“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.”

Moxy hotels operate across 130 locations in more than 25 countries worldwide, with every property designed around a distinctive theme that captures the essence of its host city. Within the UK, Moxy maintains a presence in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. On the international stage, the brand’s portfolio extends to destinations such as 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.

“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.

“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.”

Should planning permission be granted, the development would mark the first new hotel to be constructed in Hull in nearly ten years, since the DoubleTree by Hilton opened its doors on Ferensway in 2017. Commissioned independent market research carried out by Wykeland revealed that city centre hotel capacity reaches full occupancy on 100 nights each year, leaving prospective visitors with no option but to seek accommodation outside the city.