Luxury hotel plans lodged for Preston's former post office building

Bosses at Signature Living - the company behind Liverpool’s historic 30 James Street and the football-themed Shankly Hotel - want to transform the iconic listed building into luxury boutique accommodation.

The ambitious proposals include 60 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a spa and pool and a function suite for weddings and celebrations.

Signature Living founder Lawrence Kenwright said: “Preston is a great location for us and we can’t wait until our new hotel opens.

“In keeping with all hotels across our portfolio, this will be unique and have its own very special identity.

“We will make every effort to capture the history, the stories and the pride people have in Preston. The renovation of this building will be something I hope local people will be proud of.”

Coun Peter Rankin, leader of Preston Council, said: “These really are ambitious plans for a truly iconic Preston building.

“Signature Living has a fantastic reputation for offering the very best hotel experience and these plans are just the start. We’re talking major investment in Preston city centre and the creation of a brand new hotel that will become a go to destination for Preston.

“These are exciting times for Preston and we look forward to the plans taking shape.”

A planning statement from Signiture Living, submitted to Preston Council, said: “Signature Living (SL) are keen to bring their brand of hotel and wedding/conferencing facilities to Preston. SL has identified the former post office as an ideal property to renovate and convert to a hotel use.

“Located in the heart of the city centre, the site is sustainable and well situated for all the local amenities, including night time attractions.”

A separate document from the hotel group said the aim was to create a “luxury hotel development”, that will “contribute positively to the townscape and historic envrionment, whilst enhancing the leisure and tourism offer for Preston”.