One of the North’s most iconic hotel and entertainment venues has been bought out of administration in a multi-million pound deal that will secure its future and the jobs of all 250 staff.
Bredbury Hall Hotel & Country Club in Stockport has been acquired by Bangladesh businessman Golam Sarwar, who is planning a £1m refurbishment programme. Mr Sarwar, who owns the five-star Hotel Sarina in Dhaka, aims to make Bredbury Hall the flagship for a chain of UK hotels.
He has appointed hotel management specialists Onecall Hospitality to operate the complex, which includes a 147-bed hotel, restaurant, nightclub and conference centre.
First opened in 1812, Bredbury Hall is set in parkland in the Goyt Valley and has hosted entertainers including Shirley Bassey. The hotel went into administration in March 2014 and has continued to trade during this period.
Mr Sarwar said: “Bredbury Hall is an ideal choice for our first UK investment. It has an excellent location, close to Manchester Airport and with motorway links to the major northern cities. There is huge potential to redevelop and return it to its former status as a premier venue.
“Our immediate plans include refurbishing the bedrooms, the nightclub, and the central lounge and reception to create a meeting hub and a unique space for all day dining. Then in 2016 we will introduce leisure and spa facilities. Ultimately Bredbury Hall will become the flagship of a group of hotels, built though a rolling acquisition process over the next five years.”
Lancashire-based Onecall Hospitality advised Mr Sarwar on his strategic business plans and has now been appointed to manage Bredbury Hall on a three-year rolling contract.
Mark Chambers, Director of Onecall, said: “We will be leading the redevelopment of this iconic hotel with the aim of reinstating it as a premier North West destination. The key to the success of any hotel is to provide excellent guest service. We shall be introducing our unique customer-focused quality assurance programmes as well as developing a broad range of new products and services.
“The acquisition demonstrates the growing interest from overseas investors in the regional hospitality market. Many are keen to invest in the UK but feel London is overpriced and areas like the North offer better value and potential returns. This is the third acquisition we have advised on this year and we have other investors seeking properties in key locations from Birmingham to Edinburgh.”
Bredbury Hall & Country Club was marketed by property agents Christie + Co on behalf of administrators Duff & Phelps, while Christie Finance advised on the fundraising.
Sonio Singh (Partner) of Davis Blank Furniss acted as lead advisor for Golam Sarwar, with assistance from Richard Hamilton, Shiva Shadi and Jessica Greenhalgh. Sonio commented: “This is an excellent deal for our client and we were delighted to advise on the acquisition. This transaction demonstrates the expertise of this firm in the hotel and leisure sector.”