Former City Post Office Embarks On New Voyage as Boutique Hotel

A new, blue ribbon boutique hotel is to transform Preston’s former Post Office building.

Empty for the last six years, this landmark listed building is being sold to hotel group Signature Living.

Boasting a portfolio of hotels including Liverpool’s historic 30 James Street Hotel and the football-themed Shankly Hotel – which last month was voted the UKs best hotel by LateRooms.com – the company has a first class record for developing highly successful boutique and themed hotels.

Welcoming the deal to transform the former Post Office building and bring millions of pounds of new investment into Preston City Centre, Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council said:

“I am absolutely delighted.  The former Post Office is a unique and much loved building right in the heart of Preston City Centre.  It’s special and we’ve worked hard to ensure the best possible development for such an important building.

Signature Living immediately impressed us with their love of the building as well as their commitment to Preston.  They clearly see the huge potential of the city and are keen to invest and develop here.  What they’ve done in Liverpool with the Shankly Hotel and 30 James Street is a taste of what we can expect here in Preston.   The hotels are hugely popular and are consistently highly rated on Trip Advisor.

“Indeed, given Bill Shankly’s connections between Preston and Liverpool it is perhaps fitting that Signature Living should be taking on the building for future generations to enjoy.

“The new hotel will be a great boost for the city and I am sure will become a go to location for Preston.  It will cater for a wide range of events and activities including weddings and private functions – complimenting nearby attractions including the Harris, the Guild Hall and the new Markets Quarter development.”

Signature Living founder, Lawrence Kenwright said:

“We are incredibly excited to be working in Preston and delivering a luxury boutique hotel in the historic former Post Office building.

Signature Living has a track record of developing high quality hotel accommodations and event venues and this will be no exception. Not only are we bringing much needed investment into the city centre; we will also be creating jobs for local people. This will be a real destination hotel and we are very much looking forward to starting work.”

Jim Carter, Chair of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal said:

“This investment into Preston is yet more evidence of a growing confidence in the city centre.

"Major developments are coming forward, many of which include substantial investment from the private sector. These plans that will transform the city centre, boost our economy and provide new job opportunities for local people.

"We're working hard through our £434m City Deal to expand the transport infrastructure, bring new jobs and new homes to Preston and South Ribble. It's important that we make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to benefit the people who live and work here."