Russells Construction has been named preferred bidder for an £8.7m contract to build a Holiday Inn in Manchester.

Demolition of the existing building was carried out at the beginning of the year, and construction of the 147-bed with the exterior of the 11-storey building will be finished in a black brick.

Andrew Russell, managing director of Russells Construction, commented: “I was delighted to have won the tender. The hotel sector is an area of our portfolio we have been keen to develop. This will be our tallest, most high profile building to date and we have put together a highly skilled team in order to deliver the project.”

The hotel is due to be finished in spring 2010.