Wirral facilties management specialist Kimpton delivers upgrade of the hospitality suites at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, including the creation of VIP ‘super suites’. Tony McDonough reports

Designed by MMA Design & Project Management and delivered by facilities management specialist Kimpton, the new super suites are set to significantly elevate the hospitality offer at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.

Wirral-based Kimpton, which manages commercial space across the city’s waterfront, oversaw a new high-end customised fit-out including the creation of two new premium super suites with capacity for 24 people.

This is alongside the work on 16 premium suites and four new Skyline Experience suites, each accommodating 12 guests. The Sodexo ‘Live’ lounge and private area have also received a bespoke upgrade for the full VIP experience.

Bathrooms, corridors, lifts and lobby areas of the arena’s hospitality offering have also been transformed as part of the project.

Located in Bromborough, Kimpton has facilities management contracts with multiple sites in Liverpool totalling more than 1m sq ft. These include St Nicholas’ Church, the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and The Capital Building.

It specialises in mechanical and engineering services, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, commercial fit-out and service and facilities management.

In May LBN revealed the business had seen a fall in revenues for the 12-month period to September 30, 2024 from £25.8m in 2023 to £24.4m. Pre-tax profits were also down from £1.8m in 2023 to just over £1m.

However, writing in the accounts Tim Davis pointed out the previous year had been an “exceptional” one thanks to a number of significant projects. This latest fiscal year, he added, had been one of “prudence in consolidating the team.”

Speaking about the M&S Bank Arena job, project manager Phil Bowers said: “This was a really exciting project for us to work on, delivering a truly transformative change in one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.

“Delivering full commercial fit-out is a growth area for our business. The new suites create a more immersive experience for guests as they move between different spaces and enhance their visit.”

Kimpton was founded by Eric Kimpton 61 years ago. In 2001 his son Richard Kimpton took over the business, also in a management buyout and oversaw significant growth.

In November 2023 the Kimptons sold a controlling stake in the business to Tim Davis, who was formerly the firm’s general manager, and Linzi Kelly. The value of the deal was undisclosed.