Plans to significantly expand Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel — co-owned by Maltese hotel entrepreneur Winston Zahra alongside former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs — have been approved by Manchester City Council.

The approved development will see the nearby Norfolk House office block on Norfolk Street converted into a 95-bedroom luxury hotel and spa, operating as an extension of the existing Grade II-listed Stock Exchange Hotel. Once completed, the project will more than triple the hotel’s room capacity and introduce a range of new leisure and hospitality facilities.

Norfolk House, a 54,127 square foot building constructed in 1997, will be transformed into a four-storey hotel comprising 95 guest rooms across three suite categories. The plans also include a gym and spa, a resident lounge known as the Traders Lounge, and a restaurant and bar that will be open to the public.

A series of external alterations have also been approved, including the replacement of windows, the addition of window planters, and the staining of the building’s existing red brick façade to a darker tone. A redesigned entrance is planned to create a more prominent and clearly defined arrival point for guests.

The project will retain the two-storey car park beneath the building, which provides valuable parking in the city centre location. The property is currently largely vacant, with its remaining short-term tenants expected to relocate ahead of redevelopment.

The Stock Exchange Hotel has established itself as one of Manchester’s most exclusive hotels, attracting high-profile international performers and guests over the years, including Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and the Gallagher brothers. Earlier this year, it was also named among The Times’ 100 best places to stay in the UK.

The newly approved expansion marks a significant step in the hotel’s growth, reinforcing Manchester’s position as a destination for high-end hospitality while extending the footprint of a brand that has already built a strong reputation in the city.