Property giant Peel is seeking ‘global hotel operators’ for two new proposed hotels on Liverpool waterfront. Tony McDonough reports
Peel Waters says it is seeking “global hotel operators” for two proposed hotels close Liverpool Cruise Terminal at Princes Dock.
In May LBN revealed Peel was looking to build new hotels in Princes Dock as part of its revised masterplan for Liverpool Waters.
These hotels will bookend Princes Dock on Prince Parade, overlooking the waterfront. One will be located between the existing Crowne Plaza Hotel and the river and the second close to the residential block Alexandra Tower.
If both projects go ahead that would mean Princes Dock would be the location for four hotels with the development also currently home to the Malmaison.
In early April LBN reported a new hotel planned for next to Liverpool Cruise Terminal would go ahead. The project was thrown into doubt when the new private operator of the terminal, Global Ports Holding, said a hotel was not part of its plans.
However, Peel Waters told LBN it was determined to find a partner to continue with the hotel project. It has now also confirmed that a second hotel, also close to the cruise terminal, was also part of the masterplan.
Peel Waters believes Liverpool’s growing strength as a visitor destination – with the visitor economy now worth more than £5bn a year – means demand for hotels in the city will continue to rise.
In May Liverpool was named by Which? as the UK’s best large city break destination due to its ‘buzzing atmosphere’ and its ‘fantastic cultural scene’. In June city also welcomed global superstar Taylor Swift who performed three sell-out shows at Anfield.
Also in May LBN revealed Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, which is funded by the city’s hoteliers, was also helping to drive up visitor numbers. It has a subvention fund which financially supports major conferences.
Chris Capes, director for development at Liverpool Waters, said: “There is no doubt that Liverpool is an exciting international destination, which is attracting global attention and has huge potential for the future.
“The regeneration of Liverpool’s historic northern docks at Liverpool Waters, is already having a huge impact on the number of visitors and tourists coming here to enjoy everything this fantastic city has to offer.
“Our masterplan for Liverpool Waters supports the opportunity for at least two new waterfront hotels to accommodate the growing number of tourists and so we are now actively looking for a hotel operator to develop this first prime waterfront site.
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“We will also be very excited to bring forward the site of the current temporary cruise liner terminal once Global Ports Holdings relocates to their new terminal.
“This is possibly the most prominent site at Liverpool Waters and so we will be looking for something quite special that will really transform that part of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.”