The Oliver: £60m plan to turn Shena Simon Campus into a 167-bed Curio hotel goes to consultation

A big new hotel and events space for central Manchester is moving towards planning. Developer CERT Property has opened a public consultation on its £60m plan to convert the grade II-listed Shena Simon Campus on Chorlton Street into a 167-bed hotel, Place North West reports. The consultation runs until 14 October, ahead of a planning application.

The hotel, The Oliver, is named after the building's owner, MyProtein founder Oliver Cookson, who bought it in 2025. In September it was announced as part of Hilton's Curio Collection. The plans include:

• A 200-capacity events space
• A restaurant and bar overlooking Sackville Gardens
• A gym and wellness centre

CERT's head of acquisitions and development, Stephen Oster, linked the scheme to Manchester's growth as a visitor, business and leisure destination. Apart from a spell as a military hospital in the First World War, the building has always been used for education.

What it means for groups: another branded hotel F&B and events offer is heading for the Village and Piccadilly side of the city. For groups chasing private hire and conference trade, this adds supply for the years ahead. For anyone pitching a food and drink partnership, a consultation is the moment to make contact.