Whitbread agrees terms for Lancaster Premier Inn
Forming part of Maple Grove Developments’ regeneration of the former Heron Works in the city’s canal quarter, the hotel would have 110 bedrooms.
Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn’s 842 hotels in the UK and Ireland, has signed an agreement for lease with Maple Grove, part of Eric Wright Group.
Maple Grove has a long-standing interest in the former industrial site off Edward Street and is close to submitting a planning application for the four-storey hotel, designed by C4 Projects.
James Scott, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, said: “Getting the development to this stage has involved foresight, determination and the hard work of many committed people, including Officers and elected representatives at Lancaster City Council.
“Signing the agreement for lease with Whitbread brings certainty to the change we are seeking to deliver at the Canal Quarter, ultimately transforming a collection of derelict industrial buildings into a high-quality hotel that will bring many lasting benefits to Lancaster and the surrounding area.
“It’s a development I’m proud to be a part of and I’m looking forward to moving it to the next stage.”
The Premier Inn on the corner of Edward Street and Moor Lane would be Lancaster’s second. The other is an 81-bed hotel on Caton Road on the edge of the city.
Jill Anderson, acquisition manager for Whitbread, said: “This agreement is a significant milestone for both Lancaster and Whitbread’s expansion in the North West. We have long targeted the city centre as a priority location, and this new Premier Inn will deliver attractive financial returns and meet clear demand for high-quality, affordable accommodation.
“In partnership with Maple Grove Developments, we’re unlocking a key regeneration site and bringing it back into productive, long-term use – creating permanent hospitality jobs, supporting local businesses and driving new economic activity. We’re pleased to be moving forward with a development that will deliver lasting benefits for Lancaster.”
The deal between the developer and the hotel operator builds on the momentum within the Canal Quarter, a long-time regeneration priority for Lancaster City Council. Last week, a JV between Axis-RE and Marco Living submitted plans for an £85m mixed-use scheme off Brewery Lane.
Cllr Peter Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster regeneration and local economy, said: “Proposals such as this represent a huge vote of confidence in Lancaster and the opportunities that exist for investment and regeneration.
“The Canal Quarter Masterplan sets out an ambitious long-term vision to transform this part of the city into a vibrant destination where people can live, work, visit and spend time.”
He added: “Continued interest from developers and investors is an important step towards bringing that vision to life and unlocking the potential of one of our most important regeneration areas.”
Find out more about the development scene in Lancashire. Book your ticket to Lancashire Development Update.
