Developer seeks hotelier for The Alexander

The developer behind the refurbishment of Union House on Liverpool's Victoria Street is searching for a hotel operator after being granted planning permission.

Property Regeneration Group is planning to transform the listed former headquarters of the Vestey family, famous as founders of Liverpool's Blue Star Line, into a 40-room boutique hotel known as The Alexander.

The company is now aiming to secure a joint venture partner to ensure The Alexander is completed towards the end of 2008.

Gavin Raw, managing director of Property Regeneration, said: "Work will begin on-site in January 2008 and we're confident the proposal will attract a high calibre hotelier keen to invest in the latest addition to the city's popular breed of boutique hotels.

The Alexander will retain several original features including a specially commissioned mural showing scenes from the original company's tea plantations in China.

Raw continued: "The location is first rate – the Metquarter in particular has given this area of the city a revived retailing status, while there are several commercial and residential developments in the pipeline close by. This will undoubtedly give us the advantage of attracting a good mix of business people as well as those visiting Liverpool to take in the various cultural and leisure attractions."

The Liverpool-based developer's other schemes to date include City Gate at Oldham Square, St Patrick's Court on Great Crosshall Street and St Luke's Court on Hardman Street.