Introduction
Leeds-based JPG Group has successfully secured its fourth contract with Dakota Hotels, taking on the responsibility of providing comprehensive civil and structural engineering services for a new development near Manchester Airport.
This follows their previous work on Dakota Hotels projects in Leeds, Manchester city centre, and Newcastle.
Dakota Hotels’ Latest Project
Dakota Hotels recently submitted a planning application for a new 154-bedroom hotel at the 60-acre MIX Manchester development, located off Bailey Lane. This £60 million project is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy, generating approximately £12 million annually.
Architectural and Structural Details
Designed by KPP Architects, the new seven-storey building will feature a reinforced concrete frame structure, supported by piled foundations embedded in Mercia Mudstone. Reinforced concrete transfer beams at the first-floor level will ensure optimal room layouts without compromising structural integrity. Construction is set to commence later this year, with completion expected by late summer 2026.
JPG’s Role and Expertise
Liam Bower from JPG expressed enthusiasm about the new contract, highlighting the company’s strong relationship with Dakota Hotels. Bower stated,
“We are delighted to secure a further brief from Dakota Hotels, cementing our relationship moving forward as a trusted and valued expert advisor. The brand is synonymous with style and impeccable service, and it is great to be able to demonstrate our expertise on delivering luxury lifestyle projects as well as industrial for which we are well known.”
JPG’s involvement extends beyond this new project. The firm is the retained strategic partner for Dakota Hotels, providing civil, structural, geo-environmental, and highway engineering consultancy across various projects.
Ongoing Projects and Technical Challenges
JPG is currently working on transforming a vacant five-storey office building at St Ann’s Wharf in Newcastle into a luxury waterfront hotel, slated to open next spring. This project involves adding a first-floor steel extension deck supported by a reinforced concrete raft foundation, increasing the hotel’s capacity to 115 rooms.
One of the primary challenges has been analysing the existing structure’s capacity and redistributing new loads efficiently to minimise the need for extensive strengthening of the existing steelwork and foundations.
Company Background and Services
Established in 1988, JPG Group employs 45 professionals at its Leeds headquarters and provides civil and structural engineering consultancy services across the UK. The company boasts expertise in various development sectors, covering everything from initial site investigation to detailed engineering design and construction support. Additionally, JPG offers specialised consultancy services in Geo-Environmental Engineering, Strategic Land Engineering, Geospatial Analysis, and BIM Services.
JPG Group has built a lasting legacy, delivering essential engineering expertise for strategically important and transformative projects throughout the UK.
Summary of Key Points
- Project Announcement: JPG Group secures a fourth contract with Dakota Hotels for a new development near Manchester Airport.
- Project Details: New 154-bedroom hotel at MIX Manchester, designed by KPP Architects, with construction beginning later this year and completion expected by late summer 2026.
- Economic Impact: The £60 million project is anticipated to generate £12 million annually for the local economy.
- Structural Details: Reinforced concrete frame with piled foundations and transfer beams to ensure optimal room layouts.
- JPG’s Role: Providing full civil and structural engineering services, and acting as the strategic partner for Dakota Hotels.
- Current Projects: Transforming a five-storey office building in Newcastle into a luxury hotel.
- Company Overview: Established in 1988, JPG Group offers comprehensive civil and structural engineering services and employs 45 professionals in Leeds.
By securing this new contract, JPG Group continues to demonstrate its expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality engineering services for prestigious projects across the UK.
