The Britannia Ashley Hotel in Hale has ceased housing asylum seekers, and its owners say they are reviewing options for the site's future. The hotel, which had been used as asylum accommodation for more than three years, is one of 13 UK hotels where asylum use has now stopped, according to the government.
Community Tension and Protests
The Home Office decision in 2023 to move migrants into the Ashley Road hotel was branded a 'terrible idea' and 'the worst possible place' by political leaders at the time. Ashley Hotel and Altrincham's Cresta Court, which is believed to have hosted around 300 asylum seekers since 2024, have become a source of community tension over the years. The two sites have seen protests from residents and groups and calls for them to be returned to community use.
Owners' Response
Hotel chain Britannia confirmed its site is 'no longer providing emergency accommodation to individuals and families seeking refuge'. While there have been reports of the hotel being readied to take bookings once more, the future of the site still appears to be uncertain. Its owners have said they are now 'reviewing options'.
The Manchester Evening News asked the company whether it intended to reopen the property as a hotel and, if so, what work needs to be done and when this would be. A spokeswoman said: "We understand the local interest in restoring this hotel as a community asset. We are currently reviewing our options while giving due consideration to local perspectives, and we will share further updates once our plans have been finalised."
Government Policy and Impact
The Labour Government has previously vowed to 'end the use of asylum hotels' and build a system that is 'resilient, transparent and accountable'. It instead is looking to house migrants in 'larger, basic accommodation', such as former military sites. The latest round of closures takes the number of migrant hotels down to less than 160 from a peak of around 400 under the Conservatives, the Home Office has said.
Labour MP for Altrincham and Sale West Connor Rand previously said he had 'repeatedly pushed' the Government to end hotel use for asylum seekers, describing the system as 'broken'. He added: "It's bad for taxpayers, bad for community cohesion and bad for the people seeking asylum. Labour will return all asylum hotels to their normal use, including the Cresta Court, as we build an immigration and asylum system that is fair, controlled and compassionate." No updates on Cresta Court have yet been issued.
