Aloft Liverpool sells amidst competitive bidding

THE Aloft Liverpool Hotel has been sold by joint agents Colliers and CBRE, on behalf of North John Street LLP, for an undisclosed price. Fragrance Group, which is further expanding into the hotel market, has acquired the hotel following an invitation for offers at a guide level in the Region of ₤12,000,000. Located in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, this iconic hotel asset was constructed around 1900 as the head office of the Royal Insurance Company and was subsequently sympathetically restored and converted to the 4* globally branded 116 bedroom hotel. The modern hotel also offers 2substantial and well appointed bar and restaurants together with several meeting / conference suites. Trade to Year End 2019 showed a net turnover of ₤3,878,936 and operated under the Aloft franchise (part of Marriott Group). The hotel will continue to be operated by RBH Hospitality Management.

Julian Troup, Head of Hotels Agency at Colliers said:- "Our instructions were to proceed in a confidential manner, and unsurprisingly significant interest was soon generated in this iconic hotel. The considerable level of interest follows a pattern of increasing demand for UK provincial hotels, particularly for global branded stock, and as a result a competitive bidding process was run amongst several overseas and domestic bidders. The sale of the Aloft adds to the high volume of our UK hotel sales that have been concluded during the year and demonstrates the increasing confidence from a diverse range of buyers."

Martin Rogers of Global Hotels and Leisure Consultancy who represents The Fragrance Group commented:- "This was another strategic acquisition for The Fragrance Group in the UK. Mr Koh 1st visited Liverpool in 2018 and subsequently purchased The Municipal Building from Liverpool City, which we are now converting into a luxury 186 bedroom Hotel due to open in October next year. We are delighted to again work alongside RBH Hospitality Management who already operate 6 hotels in the UK for the Group."

Shaun Skidmore, Senior Director of Operational Real Estate at CBRE, said:- "We undertook a robust process utilising our UK and overseas platform to conclude the sale on behalf of North John Street LLP. The acquisition of this prestigious asset by Fragrance Group demonstrates the continued appeal of Liverpool's vibrant hospitality scene and will further enhance their growing portfolio."

Frank Cottrell Boyce gets back 'on track' in Christmas charity Fun Run

THE Liverpool local and screen writer Frank Cottrell Boyce will be joining tens of other fundraisers at CAFOD's Family Fun Run, on Monday, 27 December 2021. As a regular runner at the annual charity event, Frank is keen to get his running shoes back on again and participate in the festive run with his family.

Sharing why he's looking forward to taking part in the Fun Run this year, Frank says:- "The CAFOD  Fun Run is a great cause, but it's also a great day. Every year I bump into someone (sometimes literally) that I haven't seen for ages. This year in particular; after nearly eighteen months of only seeing people by arrangement; I think it'll be something really special."

Championed by Catholic Aid charity CAFOD, the Fun Run will be celebrating its 38th run this year.

After having to participate in a virtual Fun Run last year (due to lockdown) runners will be able to meet again in person at The Mystery, Wavertree Athletics Centre, on Monday, 27 December 2021.

CAFOD representative for the Liverpool area, Colette Byrne, said:- "We are delighted to return to the Athletics Centre for the event. After missing out on coming together last year, people are excited to get running again. We will have social distancing measures in place, and will be doing our best to keep everyone safe. We really want this to be a fun event for all of the family to enjoy!"

The CAFOD Fun Run raises vital funds to help CAFOD work with communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to fight poverty and injustice. They are also used to support local experts who provide practical help in times of crisis and emergency, including helping people to rebuild their lives after natural disasters and the Coronavirus Pandemic, and tackling issues associated with the climate crisis.

For more information visit the CAFOD Fun Run on:- JustGiving.Com.