International hotel chain Hotel Indigo provides accommodation in various locations around the globe. Starting in 2004, with its first venture in midtown Atlanta, across the road from the famous Fabulous Fox Theatre, the company now develops and runs luxury hotels around the world in the most sought-after locations, from Rome to Hong Kong.
 
Hotel Indigo’s first Manchester establishment was recently developed near to one of the city’s main transport hubs, Victoria Station. The new hotel was constructed by adding a modern rotunda extension to an existing period building. The unique project therefore needed a considered decoration to unify the two different styles of architecture. Painting and decorating contractor Story Decorating Group was brought in to offer its expertise.
 
Introducing a new Manchester landmark
Hotel Indigo Manchester joins together a 150-year-old Grade II listed building and new circular extension spanning 13 floors. The first rotunda building of its kind in Manchester, this new addition to the hotel brought with it the need for different products and techniques compared to the original structure.
 
With the hotel containing 187 bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar, Story Decorating Group needed a broad range of coatings that could provide the high specification finishes needed for each environment, and so approached Johnstone’s Trade Paints for a professional solution.
 
Claire Story, Communications Manager at Story Decorating Group, said: “The uniqueness of the building and the challenges involved with working in such an environment presented us with some problems. We knew this was not going to be a straightforward project. However, we were eager to be involved in such an exciting opportunity and knew it would be a fantastic addition to our portfolio.”
 
Fit for purpose
The team applied an array of Johnstone’s Trade paints to the spaces throughout the hotel including high-traffic areas such as hallways and restaurants. To achieve a durable and easily maintainable finish they used a combination of Acrylic Durable Matt and Acrylic Durable Eggshell, which provide a Class 1 ISO 11998 scrub rating, as well as Covaplus Vinyl Matt.
 
A number of colours were used across the project, ranging from dark greens to a classic brilliant white. It was important that the on-trend design scheme would stay vivid for as long as possible, and that the chosen paints reduced the chances of any discoloration or yellowing.
 
Additionally, Johnstone’s Trade Anti-Slip Flortred was used in entrances and walkways to offer protection for areas where surfaces can become slippery and unsafe. Containing a light aggregate for slip resistance, the paint can improve health and safety, while offering a professional look thanks to the semi-gloss finish.
 
Pick ‘n’ Mix Paintwork
Hotel Indigo Manchester proved to be a challenge that required a wealth of knowledge and skill. One of those challenges was to bring together two very different styles of building to ensure a cohesive look.
 
The Grade II listed section of the building still contained most of its original features, including cornices, mouldings, sash windows and intricate metalwork. Decorating these period features not only involved a high standard of workmanship, which at times threatened to prolong the project, but also required the use of specialist products offering continued and enhanced protection. Johnstone’s Trade Smooth Metal Paint was used to paint all of the original metalwork, providing an ‘all in one primer and topcoat solution’ that can be applied to all manner of metal surfaces. The product offers up to five years’ protection and helps to extend the length of a maintenance cycle.
 
Iain Coffey, supervisor on the project for Story Decorating Group, said: “Facing the challenge of having to combine these two very different styles of building was an exciting prospect. It certainly pushed our skills to the limit and we had to use a wide variety of coatings to ensure we were providing the best finish for each space. We’re extremely happy with the finished result and, more importantly, so is the client!”
 
Delighted with the high specification and pristine finish, Lee Powell, Project Manager at Bowmer and Kirkland Directors who developed Hotel Indigo, said: “The quality of workmanship and professionalism of everyone at Story Decorating Group was exceptional. We will definitely be looking to work with the Story Decorating Group team again in the future!”
 
A Harmonious Finish
The newly decorated Hotel Indigo Manchester continues to receive high praise from guests, and it was the success of this project that led to Story Decorating Group becoming a finalist in the Accommodation category at Johnstone’s Trade’s Painter of the Year Awards. Competing against some of the country’s prominent painting companies and their outstanding decorating projects, the detailed work on show here secured their place as a category finalist.
 
Paul Farrell, marketing manager at Johnstone’s Trade said, “It was clear to see how much knowledge and expertise went into the redecoration at the Hotel Indigo Manchester. The range of techniques and products applied was faultless. The finished product rightfully received huge praise from everyone involved, and we’re extremely happy to have been part of such an important project.”