Operator named for Liverpool’s North Western

Liverpool’s landmark North Western Hall is to house a Radisson Red hotel, the Scandinavian hospitality group having agreed terms with the building’s owner and developer Marcus Worthington Properties, which secured consent for a £30m refurbishment in August.

Situated close to Liverpool Lime Street, the grade two-listed building was originally designed and operated as a hotel, but was vlosed in the latter part of the 20th century before being bought by Liverpool John Moores University in the 1990s and converted into student accommodation.

Marcus Worthington acquired the building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1871, at the start of this year.

Elie Younes, executive vice president  and chief development officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Liverpool has always felt like the ideal fit for Radisson RED’s unique twist on hospitality. Its music heritage, in particular, matches the ethos of RED – and we’ve seen visitors show a renewed interest in the city since its time as the European Capital of Culture. We’re looking forward to helping guests explore the best Liverpool has to offer.”

The hotel will be the second Radisson RED in the UK, after Glasgow, and is due to open in 2020. It will include 202 guest rooms, restaurant and bar, gym and a creative meetings & events space. Radisson already operates a Blu hotel in Liverpool’s Old Hall Street.

Russell Worthington, development director for Marcus Worthington Group, said: “Radisson Hotel Group’s team really bought into our vision for revitalizing this stunning period building, bringing it back to its original intended use for the public to enjoy.

“Radisson RED’s arrival once again demonstrates Liverpool’s ability to attract big employers and brands. Radisson RED is a brand new contemporary and playful lifestyle brand and will complement what is already a vibrant and cultural destination, attracting visitors from across the world. It is an inspirational, modern vision of a hotel for a millennial-minded city.”