Leisure group expands with hotel purchase

The derelict Grosvenor Hotel in Blackpool is set to under a six-figure refurbishment and will become part of the next-door Ruskin Hotel after being acquired by the company run by local entrepreneur Tony Banks.

Banks’ leisure group Blackpool Promotions bought the Ruskin on Albert Road in May, 2017 and has now bought the disused Grosvenor.

It will now undergo a major revamp which will see its current 47 bedrooms transformed to 30 suites to become part of The Ruskin Hotel.

The work is due to be complete in around six months, and – subject to planning permission – will include a new cabaret venue to seat 250 people and a basement spa complex.

Banks’ company, established in 1983, also owns the Royal Carlton and Royal Seabank.

Banks, who also owns businesses in the property and construction sector, was advised by Martin Long, partner in the commercial property team at Napthens solicitors and head of the regional law firm’s Blackpool office.

Long said: “The former Grosvenor Hotel has been derelict for some time and it’s great to see it being given a new chance for success in this way.”

Banks added: “The leisure sector in Blackpool is very strong, and we continue to see a real opportunity to develop a quality offering for visitors to the town and this investment is further commitment by Blackpool Promotions to the area.

“This is a great spot for a hotel, close the seafront and a range of attractions, and when the Grosvenor came on the market we knew it could really bolster our offering at The Ruskin.

“We have some exciting plans in the pipeline and can’t wait to unveil them in a few months’ time.”