Company best know for its hotel schemes was named Private Developer of the Year at the annual First Time Buyer Awards in London this week. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool developer Signature Living is best known for hotels such as the Shankly and 30 James Street but the company has now scooped a national award for its residential schemes.

Signature was named Private Developer of the Year at the annual First Time Buyer Awards in London.

It scooped the accolade in recognition of a series of planned and existing developments in the city including 60 Old Hall Street – a building once described as “the ugly duckling”.

The company is currently transforming it into affordable apartments. Signature Living’s Daniel House development in Bootle was also singled out.

The former 1950s office block has been given a new lease of life as a luxury, hotel-style living apartment block.

It contains a gym, reception area and will soon have a top-floor restaurant with panoramic views of Merseyside.

Lynda Clark from the First Time Buyer Awards said: “Signature Living’s planned and existing residential developments stood out because of their innovation and affordability for first-time buyers.

“They are very worthy winners of this award. Long may their unique developments continue.”

Signature founder Lawrence Kenwright said: “We’re very much focused on the development of hotels but are increasingly working to create unique residences that appeal to first-time buyers amongst others.”