One of Blackpool's oldest hotels Forshaw's in Talbot Square to be take over by B&B HOTELS UK
Blackpool’s hoteliers association StayBlackpool said they were ‘looking forward’ to working with a company excited to ‘create a great Blackpool experience’.
A historic grade II Blackpool hotel which opened as one of the town's first inns in the 18th century is to be taken over and refurbished.
Forshaw’s Hotel, originally opened around 1780 before later operating as the Clifton Hotel and a Travelodge before finally reopening under the historic Forshaws name in July 2021.
B&B HOTELS UK, the fast-growing value-for-money hotel group, has confirmed the Talbot Square hotel will be its ninth UK hotel, following the signing of a lease agreement with The Brook Group.
Blackpool’s hoteliers association StayBlackpool said they were ‘looking forward’ to working with a company excited to ‘create a great Blackpool experience’.
The Brook Group, in partnership with B&B HOTELS UK, are preparing to sensitively refurbish the Grade II listed hotel to B&B HOTELS UK specifications, preserving its historic character whilst improving the internal rooms, amenities and guest experience.
An application for listed building consent has been submitted to Blackpool Council seeking approval for minor external improvements to the building, including new B&B HOTELS branding and signage, together with enhancements to the building's exterior.
Internal refurbishment works will bring the property fully in line with B&B HOTELS UK’s latest brand standards seen at other refurbished hotels across the UK, including London Heathrow T5 and Birmingham City Centre, featuring stylish yet functional design, high-quality bedding, fast Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Patrick O’Connell, CEO of B&B HOTELS UK said: “We are excited to be bringing B&B HOTELS to Blackpool and investing in a building that holds a strong presence on the town’s seafront.
“Our plans will deliver a full refurbishment to the high standards our guests expect, creating a modern hotel that offers quality, comfort and great value.
“We see significant potential to contribute positively to the town’s hospitality offer through long-term investment and by delivering a high-quality accommodation choice for visitors.”
Forshaw's Hotel, is a 90-bedroom establishment with a ground floor retail area currently occupied a Turtle Bay restaurant and a Starbuck coffee house.
The proposals submitted to the council involves cosmetic upgrades, demolition of selected internal walls within the basement, ground floor and first floor, two new staircases within the basement and ground floor and refit of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing system using existing service routes.
Despite being given the green light, the planning officer made note of a comment from Blackpool Civic Trust, which stated: “The works appear to be relatively minor.
“The Trust would recommend that, as walls are broken for doorways, photos should be taken to record if any decorative features are disturbed or revealed. In addition, all fabric should be repaired and redecorated using appropriate materials.”
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Very little original fabric survives
A heritage, design and access statement said: "The hotel is a Grade II listed building situated within the Blackpool Town Centre Conservation Area.
"Whilst the external appearance remains largely consistent with its original architectural form, it is evident that substantial internal alterations have been undertaken over time.
"As a result, very little of the building’s historic fabric survives within the existing hotel.
"As this LBC (listed building consent) application relates solely to internal alterations, it is anticipated that the proposals are uncontentious.”
The new operators say the investment into Forshaws Hotel will help secure the long-term future of a well-known seafront property, making a positive contribution to Blackpool's visitor economy.
The investment forms part of B&B HOTELS UK’s continued expansion across the country, as the brand grows its presence in key leisure and business destinations.
Subject to planning approval, refurbishment works are expected to commence following consent, with further updates to be shared in due course.
Jason Brook at Brook Group said: “We are delighted to be working alongside B&B Hotels to secure the long-term future of this prominent seafront hotel in Blackpool.
“Our proposals have been carefully developed to respect the character and heritage of the building, whilst delivering a comprehensive programme of improvements that will enhance the guest experience and meet the expectations of today's hotel market.
“This significant investment represents another important step in our strategy of restoring, enhancing and revitalising landmark hospitality assets through considered and high-quality redevelopment.
“We look forward to working closely with B&B Hotels and other key stakeholders as the project progresses, helping to secure a successful future for the hotel and ensuring it continues to play an important role in Blackpool's tourism offer for many years to come.”
Ian White, secretary of Stay Blackpool said: “StayBlackpool very much look forward to working with any organisation looking to create a great 'Blackpool experience'.
“The Forshaws Hotel building is a fantastic, historical and prominent part of Blackpool's Talbot Square.
"Any investment that maintains and enhances the property and its business is welcome and we look forward to learning more about the detail of the plans."