New owners to take over landmark Waterfront Hotel

The landmark building has been run by administrators since 2022

Hello and welcome to the 82nd edition of The Southport Lead.

Three years ago, the owners of one of Southport’s best known and most notable hotels collapsed into administrations as they became unable to repay large borrowings after the pandemic.

Ever since then, it has been run by administrators - rebranded as the Waterfront Hotel - with its long term future unclear amid several attempts to find a buyer. Now though, that is finally changing.

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Southport briefing

💷 A couple believe they’ve lost more than £400,000 of their life savings after investing in embattled asset management firm The 79th Group. The Southport-based sold loan notes to investors, supposedly secured against property, including in real estate, and investments in natural resources and had operations in the UK, Canada and the Middle East. However, it was raided by anti-fraud police earlier this year and collapsed into administration soon after.

📋 The Southport Inquiry has head that the killer should have been assessed under the Mental Health Act before he carried out the attack. Dr Tina Irani, a consultant child and adolescent forensic psychiatrist, also told the inquiry his autism would not have meant he lacked responsibility for his actions in carrying a knife or prevented him from going through the criminal justice system. Read more here.

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New buyer set to take over Waterfront Hotel three years after Bliss collapse

The Waterfront Hotel. Pic: Stand Up For Southport

By Jamie Lopez

The Waterfront Hotel will soon have new owners - after being run by administrators for three years.

Originally branded as Ramada when it opened in 2008, the hotel is located overlooking Marine Lake and is the only four-star rated facility in the town. Its location - next to the site which will be occupied by Marine Lake Events Centre - makes it a key part of Southport’s offering to visitors.

The hotel was taken over by Bliss in 2017 in what was hoped to be the start of a wider regeneration. The company, which was owned by the people behind the Everyman Cinemas chain, underwent a major refurbishment including more modern decor, the creation of penthouse suites, and extending the function room into the space overlooking the water.

This in particular has been key to attracting events bookings even throughout a period of uncertain ownership, while it also boasts 131 bedrooms, a lounge bar, restaurant, roof garden, gym and underground car parking.

As well as the hotel purchase, Bliss bought a 250-year lease for the rest of the units in the landmark complex which at the time housed Genting Casino and the Hungry Horse restaurant.