Approval for town’s first aparthotel will create dozens of jobs
Plans for a new £1.8m aparthotel complex in the heart of Warrington town centre have been given the green light.
The move will see the former Grade II-listed post office in Palmyra Square converted into 21 high-quality hotel-style bedroomed apartments, while commercial space on the ground floor will remain as popular bars and restaurants.
The architectural practice behind the scheme is Leeds-based PDG Architectural, which has had to resolve several conservation and planning issues, including producing a design that will incorporate a number of existing external features, to secure approval for its plans.
This is the first planning approval of its type in Warrington and once conversion work is completed in 2021, it is expected that local and itinerant workers would use the rooms, which will be available on short term lets.
It is also predicted that redevelopment of the site will support the employment of up to 50 people in construction and the supply chain when work gets under way this November.
Additional spending power from occupiers is also expected to positively impact on the local economy when people start to move in and spend their cash – estimated to be around £1m annually – locally on shopping, leisure facilities and community services.
Andy Pickup, managing director of PDG Architectural, has steered the application through the planning process with Warrington Borough Council.
He said that approval offers a great opportunity for local property firm Immedi-Let to create a building that will be seen as a critical boost to the regeneration of an important county town.
Welcoming the decision, he said that it’s also a big step forward in delivering well-designed, high-quality accommodation for the local jobs market.
He added: “Working closely with the planning authority from the outset has been invaluable in securing planning approval.
“As designers, we want to see the creation of top quality, impactful projects that will leave a long-lasting legacy. This one will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the regeneration of Warrington town centre.”
Andy Pickup
He also said that it was encouraging to see planning applications being approved by the local authority planning department, despite the difficulties imposed on the process by COVID-19.
The scheme is a joint venture between property developer Nathan Priestley, with Priestley homes (Priestley Group) in partnership with property firm Immedi-Let.
Immedi-let director, Danny Inman, said: “We are delighted that we can now push ahead with our ambitious plans.
“Renovating existing buildings is an ideal way to improve the quality of local sites while we support Warrington Council’s intentions to improve residential accommodation throughout the town.”
Nathan Priestley, chief executive of the Priestley Group, said: “Warrington is a good property investment thanks to its location and buoyant property market.
“The town is subject to major regeneration plans and is fast becoming one of the North West’s most desirable places to live, work and visit.”
The news comes as the council has recently approved plans for the conversion and part new build of high-end apartments as part of a £3.5m residential redevelopment scheme on Museum Street, creating 18 new units.
