Developer showcased its portfolio as part of the Liverpool delegation at the MIPIM property and investment expo in Cannes this week, which has resulted in offers from cities overseas. Tony McDonough reports.
Liverpool developer and hotel operator Signature Living is embarking on an ambitious overseas expansion programme with plans for boutique hotels in Dubai, France and Spain.
It follows the company’s announcement that it will open four hotels in Belfast – with one being a themed around football legend George Best.
Signature Living’s plan for Belfast also includes a hotel and tourist attraction at the former Crumlin Road court.
The company showcased its portfolio at the MiPIM festival in Cannes last week, which has resulted in offers from cities overseas.
Local growth
Signature has prospered in Liverpool in recent years with a number of hotel and residential schemes.
Its flagship venues are the 30 James Street and Shankly hotels and the company now employs 500 people in the city.
It is also looking for a suitable site in Manchester to develop into a hotel.
Key meetings
Signature founder Lawrence Kenwright has held discussions with representatives from the French city of Bordeaux, Dubai, Madrid and Barcelona this week.
The company met with Dubai Holdings, the company led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which is responsible for attracting new investment to the thriving Middle Eastern hotspot and have agreed to visit the city in the coming weeks to look at new opportunities.
New locations
Speaking in Cannes, managing director of Signature Living, Kris Mochrie, said: “Signature Living’s success in the UK and our presence at MIPIM has firmly caught the attention the international market who want to bring our unique brand of accommodation to their cities.
“Our growth since 2008 has been remarkable and we are ready to launch our first development outside of the UK and are actively considering various locations.
“This will start imminently with visits to France, Spain and Dubai. Signature Living is a real Liverpool success story – the future looks very bright for it indeed.”
PR representative , Daniel Hughes, who organised Signature Living’s presence at MIPIM this year, added: “There can be absolutely no doubt that Signature Living’s presence at MIPIM has been successful for the company.”