Historic hotel under threat of CPO

Liverpool’s Adelphi hotel – one of the largest properties in Britannia Hotels’ 52-strong portfolio – could be compulsory purchased by the city council.

The move would be part of a plan to rejuvenate the city centre gateway, linking a £2bn Knowledge Quarter with the ongoing £40m improvements around Lime Street.

With 402 bedrooms, the Adelphi is at the heart of the potential redevelopment area.

Liverpool City Council cabinet is set to consider the masterplan on Friday (March 3) and will seek support “in principle” for Compulsory Purchase Orders if private negotiations in the proposed scheme fail.

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said: “These proposals are a vital next step in the regeneration of our thriving city centre, linking Lime Street Station to the city’s main concentration of science, health, education and the cultural assets, including our two cathedrals, on and around Hope Street.”

The Adelphi hotel is a Grade II-listed property more than 100 years old and was once one of the flagship properties within British Transport Hotels (BTH).

Britiannia Hotels acquired the property in 1982 following the by British Rail to sell its hotel division (BTH).