Plans for 110-bedroom hotel in Lancaster take step forward

A new 110-bedroom Premier Inn hotel could be developed in Lancaster city centre following the signing of a lease agreement between Bamber Bridge headquartered Maple Grove Developments and Whitbreads.

The hotel in Edward Street within the city's Canal Quarter - an area identified for regeneration by the city council - is still subject to planning permission.

Lancaster has been identified by Whitbread, which operates a network of 842 Premier Inn hotels across the UK and Ireland, as an area it wishes to establish a presence within.

Jill Anderson, acquisition manager for Whitbread, said: “This agreement is a significant milestone for both Lancaster and Whitbread’s expansion in the north west. We have long targeted the city centre as a priority location and this new Premier Inn will deliver attractive financial returns and meet clear demand for high-quality, affordable accommodation.

“In partnership with Maple Grove Developments, we are unlocking a key regeneration site and bringing it back into productive, long-term use – creating permanent hospitality jobs, supporting local businesses and driving new economic activity. We are pleased to be moving forward with a development that will deliver lasting benefits for Lancaster.”

Based on latest published figures of the average year-round occupancy of Premier Inn hotels, around 45,000 guests are anticipated to stay at the 110-bedroom hotel on maturity every year, with the vast majority expected to visit the city centre for food and drink, leisure experiences and business visits.

James Scott, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, said: “Getting the development to this stage has involved foresight, determination and the hard work of many committed people, including Officers and elected representatives at Lancaster City Council.

"Signing the agreement for lease with Whitbread brings certainty to the change we are seeking to deliver at the Canal Quarter, ultimately transforming a collection of derelict industrial buildings into a high-quality hotel that will bring many lasting benefits to Lancaster and the surrounding area. 

"It’s a development I am proud to be a part of and I am looking forward to moving it to the next stage – submitting our planning application shortly.”

The proposed hotel will be positioned at the corner of Moor Lane and Edward Street, with the hotel entrance and ground floor restaurant area facing into both a new public area and Edward Street. 

Councillor Peter Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster regeneration and local economy, said: “Proposals such as this represent a huge vote of confidence in Lancaster and the opportunities that exist for investment and regeneration.

“The Canal Quarter Masterplan sets out an ambitious long-term vision to transform this part of the city into a vibrant destination where people can live, work, visit and spend time.

“Continued interest from developers and investors is an important step towards bringing that vision to life and unlocking the potential of one of our most important regeneration areas.”

Should planning permission be granted, the city centre hotel is anticipated to take 18 months to build and Whitbread expects to create around 30 permanent job opportunities on opening.