Imperial hotel in Blackpool joins Redefine | BDL portfolio
The new Singaporean owner of the four-AA-star, 180-bedroom Imperial hotel in Blackpool has appointed Redefine|BDL portfolio (RBH) to manage the property.
Property and investment company Fragrance Group, founded by Koh Wee Meng, one of Singapore's richest businessmen, acquired the hotel for £12.8m last month.
It is the first UK hotel for the billionaire, who has made his fortune investing in property throughout Singapore. Most recently he has turned his attention to Australia where he is developing two hotels with 400 and 495 bedrooms respectively in Hobart, Tasmania, as well as believed to be creating an eco-tourism project on Waterhouse Island, also in Tasmania. Koh also owns budget hotel chain Fragrance Hotel, which has 20 properties in Singapore.
Situated on Blackpool's North Promenade, the grand 19th-century Imperial hotel was previously part of the dwindling Hotel Collection, owned by Lone Star Funds. It features the Palm Court restaurant, health club and swimming pool.
RBH now operates a total of 56 hotels, some operating as independent properties such as the Imperial and others under various brands owned by InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton, AccorHotels, Marriot International, Best Western and Wyndham.
There are currently no plans to make any immediate changes or improvements at the hotel.
John Stuart, chief operating officer at RBH, said: "The Imperial Hotel Blackpool is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio and marks our first venture into the Blackpool market."
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