THE arrival of the Hampton by Hilton hotel in St Helens will help attract business to the borough and boost its “visitor economy”, says the council leader.

As recently reported, St Helens Council and the English Cities Fund (ECF) signed a franchise agreement with Hilton for a new 120-guest room Hampton by Hilton St Helens hotel.

ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse – is delivering the project with the council as part of a “once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme” now getting under way.

There have been criticisms from some on social media about why a hotel is part of regeneration plans, however, leaders of the project say there is a significant demand from business and industry - such as glass and logistics - for a central hotel.

'Anchor brand'

Hampton by Hilton will become one of the anchor brands at the heart of the town centre.

Located on Bickerstaff Street, Hampton by Hilton St Helens will feature 96 guest rooms over four floors, plus 16 long-stay guest rooms suited for families and business travellers staying at the hotel for an extended period of time, and eight accessible rooms.

Guests will also have access to fitness facilities. Two flexible ground floor meeting rooms are expected to be available for hire by business and leisure guests, as well as non-residents.

The hotel will form part of a mixed-use area that includes 64 “high quality” homes, a new market hall and 11,000 sq ft of modern retail space.

Council leader Cllr Anthony Burns commented on it during the full council meeting last week.

He said: “At the end of last month, we announced the momentous signing of a franchise agreement with Hilton for a new 120-guest room Hampton by Hilton St Helens hotel.

“Together with our delivery partner, ECF, we have a strong ambition for the further of our towns and the Hampton by Hilton brand fits perfectly into this vision.

“A new, high-quality hotel brand offering will help St Helens to retain, to grow and attract business and boost our visitor economy.

“Importantly, Hampton by Hilton, as one would expect, really believe in this project and that it will be successful and are happy to be part of St Helens’ next journey.”