YHA buys Liverpool hostel

The Youth Hostels Association has acquired a 244-bed property on Matthew Street, adding a second site to its portfolio in Liverpool.

The Matthew Street building is one of two properties to be acquired by the YHA along with another in Newcastle, both of which have been purchased from fellow operator Euro Hostels.

It is the YHA’s second in the city; it already operates the Liverpool Albert Dock hostel. The Matthew Street hostel has larger bedrooms and will be targeted at larger groups visiting the city, including school groups.

The acquisitions bring the YHA’s portfolio up to 153 across England and Wales. In the North West, it operates at site in Manchester’s Castlefield as well as 18 different hostels and camp sites across the Lake District.

James Blake, chief executive of the YHA, said: “Our Liverpool hostel is incredibly popular and the addition of a further site in the vibrant city centre will enable us to reach out to many more young people. Likewise, we are delighted to once again have a presence in Newcastle. We have long been searching for the right property in the right location and the Carliol Square hostel absolutely ticks all the boxes.

“With the addition of Newcastle, we now have a strong portfolio of affordable, high quality, accommodation which allows everyone access to heritage, urban culture and the arts.

“Together the two hostels will increase the number of young people staying with us every year by 7%. Both sites will ensure that thousands more young people will be able to learn, meet new people and improve their wellbeing and life skills as part of our operations in Liverpool and Newcastle. It’s a very exciting time for YHA as we enter our 90th year.”