Richmond Luxury Living to open Liverpool serviced apartments, Manchester opening planned

The Richmond, a venue containing 51 serviced apartments, is set to open in Liverpool in March with the team behind the venture also planning a Manchester opening in the near future. 

The Grade II-listed former Merseytravel building in Hatton Garden was acquired by the newly-formed company Richmond Luxury Living - a spokesperson for the company confirmed the owners were now looking at possibly expanding to other venues in the centre of Manchester, in particular the Deansgate and commercial areas of the city.

Property firm Middle England Developments purchased the building and renovated it before selling it to Richmond Luxury Living last year.

The property company has previously bought, converted and sold a number of similar buildings in and around the city centre - mainly for use as student accommodation.

Second to none

Although The Richmond's owners are making their first step into the growing serviced apartment market, the group director Steven Hesketh has joined the team from a role as general manager of the BridgeStreet serviced apartments located within the Liverpool ONE development.

“We are delighted to be opening our new serviced apartment concept in Liverpool, which has work, rest and play at the heart of its design," said Hesketh.

"With guest services second to none, we feel the development will further enhance Liverpool’s attraction to business and leisure guests and we look forward to opening in March."

Speaking to BigHospitality, a spokesman for the company explained The Richmond would be offering something different to other similar providers in Liverpool.

"All of the other serviced apartment providers in Liverpool offer say 15 apartments; this will have 51 apartments, a brasserie and bar. It is a complete first," he said.

Liverpool Convention Bureau

The Richmond will feature suites and executive or classic rooms, all with free Wi-Fi, a secretarial service, TVs with video calling and on-site conference and meeting facilities.

As well as a bar and brasserie, guests will also have use of a spa, 24-hour room service, entertainment systems and nightlife offers.

Delegates to the nearby Liverpool Convention Bureau are expected to be one of the main groups of people taking advantage of the new accommodation with free travel to the conference centre available to guests.

Kate Currie, interim convention bureau manager at Liverpool Convention Bureau, said: "Richmond Luxury Living represents the first of many new developments which open or break ground in 2013.

"It will be one of several new serviced apartments opening in the city and we are excited about the flexible accommodation it will provide to delegates and visitors alike.

"Developments such as this continue to underline that Liverpool is a vibrant destination, confident in its delivery of meetings, events and conferences," she concluded.