UK: Developer Walker & Williams has secured a £1.6 million development loan from the Growing Places Fund, managed by Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, for an aparthotel in Ormskirk.
The project will see the former Ormskirk Magistrates building on Derby Street coverted into a 23-room luxury aparthotel. Rooms will provide kitchenettes, a living space and en-suite bathrooms with the old courtroom and cells transformed into a restaurant and bar.
When complete, the property will support around 100 jobs and is expected to open before the end of next year. Due to the pandemic, the scheme has been delayed by several years.
Max Walker-Williams, director at Walker & Williams, said: “I am thrilled the LEP has agreed to back this project through its Growing Places Fund, and that they recognise the huge benefits the redevelopment of the former court house will bring to Ormskirk. Not only will we revitalise one of the town’s most beautiful historic buildings, we’ll also provide new jobs for local people and create an exciting new destination for visitors and locals alike.”
Debbie Francis, chair of the LEP, said: “The Growing Places Fund is designed to help kick-start new developments, or get stalled schemes back on track, which have the potential to generate both economic and social value to the wider community.
“By supporting the Ormskirk Court Hotel we are not only enabling the creation of local jobs, we are helping to boost the town’s hospitality and leisure offer. It’s also anticipated that the scheme will help meet Edge Hill University’s need for more high-quality accommodation in West Lancashire, which will be another major benefit to the region.”
