Intercontinental Hotels Group has today started construction on a new Holiday Inn hotel in Manchester.
The 306-room property, due to open in 2016, will be located in the centre of the city close to Manchester Piccadilly train station.
It will have an open lobby which combines the front desk, lobby, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into "one open cohesive space". IHG claims this will help the increasing number of travellers who are looking to combine business with leisure.
IHG has also confirmed it will convert an existing hotel in Dumfries, Scotland, into a 71-room Holiday Inn.
Due to open later this spring, it will be the first Holiday Inn in Dumfries and has conference faciltities to support the rising demand from business travellers to the area.
Robert Shepherd, IHG's chief development officer for Europe, said: "The Holiday Inn brand has been around for more than 60 years but its commitment to innovation and comfort means it remains relevant for our owners and our guests."
Tom Newcombe
