Hilton Hotels is to have a presence in Wolverhampton, with the announcement today by Wolverhampton Development Company (WDC) of a £15 million development within the City Centre’s Western Quarter.
The 130-bed scheme will be delivered under the Hampton by Hilton brand and developed by Cordwell, with work anticipated to start on site in Spring 2011 and due to complete in Spring 2012. The hotel will be located upon the site of the Fox Hotel on the Penn Road Island.
As Chief Executive of WDC, Stephen Catchpole, was delighted to announce that Wolverhampton is to welcome the Hilton brand, “WDC purchased the Fox Hotel site in 2008 as a strategic acquisition designed to maximise and accelerate commercial interest in this gateway location. The hard work of WDC and our partners has paid off, with a highly respected brand choosing our City in which to invest.”
Malcolm Wilcox is Managing Director of Cordwell, the Midlands-based property developer, which won the competition to develop the site, “We’re extremely excited to be working with Wolverhampton on delivering such a prestigious name and quality development. In addition to the hotel, the site will also offer complementary uses.”
As Director of Regeneration and Environment for Wolverhampton City Council, Councillor Steve Boyes sees the announcement as an important statement of confidence in the City, “Wolverhampton Council is keen to do all that it can to attract investment to our City. This announcement confirms that developers and brands see Wolverhampton as an enabling and welcoming City which provides a clear commercial benefit.”
The first investment opportunity delivered in the Western Quarter by WDC, Will Evans, WDC’s Development Director, who led the team, is confident that the hotel deal will act as a strong stimulus for others in the Quarter, “The £15 million hotel investment, combined with developments such as the start on site for Phase 1 of Interchange are clear signals to the market that positive change is taking place in Wolverhampton.”
Richard Dickson Property Consultancy and Wragges acted as advisors to WDC on the deal.