Gotham Hotel

CRL Restores Manchester’s Iconic Gotham Hotel 

CRL is currently delivering a major restoration project on the prestigious Gotham Hotel,  a Grade II listed building in the heart of Manchester City centre. The works involve the repair of the stonework and installation of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system, designed to extend the life of the steel frame by up to 60 years.

The structure is a 1930s steel frame building clad in Portland Stone. Cracking of the stone cladding has been observed throughout the structure on the external façades. This cracking was determined to be the result of expansive corrosion of the steel frame beneath the Portland Stone masonry. This degradation mechanism is known as Regent Street Disease.

The project has been split into four phases, covering a total of 16 zones, with Phase 1 now successfully completed, and work progressing on Phase 2.

The ICCP system includes reference cells, monitoring probes, T.R monitoring and control units, anode ribbon and multi core cables connecting the system. All of these utilised together combine to offer robust protection against any future corrosion of the steel frame. To enable the anodes and the field cabling to be installed, the mortar joints have been raked out to a depth of 50mm and widened.

As part of the works, CRL is collaborating with three key subcontractors: Corrosion Engineering Solutions (who are designing the C.P system), Bullens Conservation (who are managing all external heritage restoration works), and Intelligence Scaffoldings (responsible for complex scaffolding installations tailored to the building’s conservation requirements).

Due to the listed status of the building, extra care has been taken throughout, from the removal of original materials to the meticulous colour-matching of the mortar to ensure repairs blend in naturally with the aged façade.

A detailed survey was undertaken to assess the condition of stonework and identify cracks requiring specialist repair. Privacy for the building’s occupants has been maintained through the use of extended-height scaffolding and screening, while dust prevention and extraction systems, including industrial-grade fans were installed to protect both workers and residents. A significant portion of the project budget was dedicated to respiratory health and cleanliness, showing the team's commitment to safety, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.

Additionally, all electrical power connections have been coordinated with nearby commercial units, including a restaurant, to minimise disruption to businesses and maintain safe access.

The works carried out on this conservation project will not only safeguard the historic integrity of the property but will also ensures its structural durability for decades to come, serving as a model for future ICCP installations on heritage buildings.