Russell WBHO retained for Mere resort fit-out

The £50m overhaul of the Knutsford hotel is due to complete next year as attention turns to internal work.

Russell WBHO started on site last year and has been retained by UAE-based landlord Select Group to deliver the fit-out for the expanded hotel.

The project has involved taking the existing 87-bedroom hotel and expanding it by another 29 rooms ahead of its reopening under Accor’s Fairmont brand.

Additional elements of the project include a new entrance and reception will be created in the main building, and new kitchens added. The conference centre will be expanded with a two-storey extension and a new golf pavilion will be added to serve users of the 18-hole championship-level course.

The Mere will be the UK’s fourth Fairmont Hotel alongside The Savoy in London, St Andrews Golf Course, and Fairmont Windsor Park in Berkshire. It will also be home to a new Peruvian restaurant.

Gareth Russell, Russell WBHO managing director, said: “Fairmont Cheshire The Mere Golf Resort & Spa will be one of the most exclusive hotel, golf and spa destinations in the North of England, so we are proud to add this extremely prestigious scheme to our portfolio.

“Securing the latest phase is a fantastic result and a testament to the strength of our working relationship with Select Group. From the outset, we have worked collaboratively to realise the client’s vision, creating the highest quality facilities that reflect the world-leading luxury Fairmont brand.”

Israr Liaqat, group chief executive for Select Group, added: “Russell WBHO’s expertise in the hotel and leisure sector resonates with the detail required to deliver our vision for this project.

“We are confident that the team will continue to meet our aspirations and look forward to continuing this journey with Russell WBHO to deliver a resort that will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.”