Signature to enter Preston hotel market
Preston City Council has agreed to sell the listed old Post Office in the city centre to Signature Living, Lawrence Kenwright’s Liverpool-based hotel group.
Signature Living’s rapid rise has seen it open 30 James Street Hotel and the football-themed Shankly Hotel in Liverpool in recent years.
Cllr Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: “The former Post Office is a unique and much loved building right in the heart of Preston city centre. It’s special and we’ve worked hard to ensure the best possible development for such an important building.
“Signature Living immediately impressed us with their love of the building as well as their commitment to Preston. They clearly see the huge potential of the city and are keen to invest and develop here. What they’ve done in Liverpool with the Shankly Hotel and 30 James Street is a taste of what we can expect here in Preston. The hotels are hugely popular and are consistently highly rated on Trip Advisor.
“Indeed, given Bill Shankly’s connections between Preston and Liverpool it is perhaps fitting that Signature Living should be taking on the building for future generations to enjoy.
“The new hotel will be a great boost for the city and I am sure will become a go to location for Preston. It will cater for a wide range of events and activities including weddings and private functions – complimenting nearby attractions including the Harris, the Guild Hall and the new Markets Quarter development.”
Signature Living founder, Lawrence Kenwright said: “We are incredibly excited to be working in Preston and delivering a luxury boutique hotel in the historic former Post Office building.
“Signature Living has a track record of developing high quality hotel accommodations and event venues and this will be no exception. Not only are we bringing much needed investment into the city centre; we will also be creating jobs for local people. This will be a real destination hotel and we are very much looking forward to starting work.”
Preston’s former Post Office building was designed by Sir Henry Tanner and built for the Post Office, between 1901 and 1903. The grade two-listed building is three storeys high with a basement and attic.
A bit of a surprise but excellent news. A good use of the old Post Office and great to see leisure uses in the City Centre.
By Brian