Proposed Eden Project drives deal for Lancashire hotel by overseas operator

The Clarendon Hotel in Morecambe, Lancashire, has been acquired by The Statement Hotel LTD.

The property’s freehold was marketed off a guide price of £725,000, although the sale price was undisclosed.

The sale marks The Statement Hotel LTD’s first property in the UK, with an existing hotel and property portfolio in Nigeria.

Nonso Ochinanwata, of The Statement Hotel LTD, said: “We are delighted to have acquired The Clarendon in Morecombe.

“Marking our first UK hotel, The Statement Hotel LTD has further intentions of building a broader investment portfolio in the UK market.

“We targeted Morecambe as a location for various reasons, however, the proposals for the new Eden project, a venue intended to draw 500,000 to a million visitors every year, was a key factor.

“Now the transaction has completed we will be focusing our attention on transforming The Clarendon into a destination hotel with world-class standards.”

The transaction was brokered by Lesley Watmough, of leisure property specialists Fleurets, who said: “The Clarendon Hotel is an imposing building with historical significance, having been used as RAF headquarters during World War II.

“Ideally situated on Morecambe’s seafront, the hotel possesses 29 en suite letting bedrooms.”