The independent hospitality company Blue Rainbow Aparthotels has announced ambitious plans for growth in which it will invest more than £20 million in new openings in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.
Liverpool is one of the locations earmarked for expansion
The investment, which will be completed over the next 18 months, will add 560 rooms. It will also result in dining services being offered to guests for the first time. Next, the chain plans to move into Birmingham and Newcastle.
Blue Rainbow was founded in 2007 by the Will Hannah, the company managing director, and Jason Abbot, its operations manager. The company currently operates 128 rooms at two sites in Manchester, as well as one in Edinburgh.
It caters to corporate customers and people looking for weekend getaways by offering four and five-star accommodation in luxury apartments. Amenities include DVD players, WiFi, on-site gym facilities, kitchens with welcome packs (including fresh bread and milk) and complimentary laundry facilities.
Mr. Hannah, who formerly held a marketing consultancy position in the corporate travel sector, said;
“We want to take Blue Rainbow to the next stage over the coming years. We have a proven concept and offer and our existing apartments are fully booked, it’s the right time to grow, we’re very excited.
“The first phase of our expansion will see us add a third Manchester site. We are very close to agreeing terms on a building which we will convert into 52 apartments and 225 hotel rooms – which is a new concept for us, as is the addition of a food and beverage offer, which we are refining now.”
He went on to say that the Manchester project would cost approximately £11 million, excluding the property lease. The hotel element would be open in the third quarter of 2014, and the apartments are scheduled to open nine months later.
The company plans to invest £10 million in a city centre hotel in Leeds. It will have 145 rooms and two restaurants. The property is scheduled to be open in mid-2014. A second phase will add another 8,000-10,000 square feet of conference space as well.
The Liverpool project will consist of 60 apartments according to Mr. Hannah. The expansion plan will be funded from the company’s existing facilities. Blue Rainbow has been performing well, is growing its market share and increasing its occupancy levels.
Mr. Hannah added, “We pride ourselves on offering a home-from-home experience for both business guests and those on a weekend city break and believe this report confirms our increased market share when it comes to providing quality accommodation.”
