COMMUTER BELT OPPORTUNITY

The Station Hotel, a privately-run establishment nestled in the village of Shotts, North Lanarkshire, is on the market for £600,000.

Over the years, the century old property has undergone extensions that complement the original structure and now features a public bar, restaurant, private dining and conference room, a spacious outdoor dining terrace, and a car park.

With only one other restaurant in the village, the on-site restaurant stands out as a popular choice among locals. Its two function suites can accommodate up to 140 guests, ensuring a steady flow of bookings in the coming months.

Brian Sheldon, Regional Director at Christie & Co, who are selling the business anticipates significant interest in this opportunity due to the hotel’s excellent road and rail connections to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling. The property’s proximity to Shotts Train Station adds to its appeal. After more than two decades of ownership, the current proprietor is seeking retirement after 40 years in the licensed trade. The business, which had previously been managed and leased, will return to the care of the current owners once the short-term lease arrangement concludes in April 2023.

The Station Hotel is available for purchase at £600,000 as a freehold going concern, offering a promising venture for aspiring hoteliers or experienced industry professionals.

EVC & MACDONALD HOTELS LINK FOR EV

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has entered into an exclusive two-year partnership agreement with EVC to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and make it more convenient for guests. Under this agreement, a network of fast and rapid chargers will be installed across Macdonald Hotels’ properties, ensuring that EV owners have easy access to charging stations throughout their stay.

EVC will bear the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance of the chargers, providing a fully-funded solution for Macdonald Hotels. The company plans to utilize surplus capacity from building supplies and establish new connection points as necessary to achieve this. Through comprehensive grid studies and site surveys conducted across the UK, EVC has determined the specific requirements and capacities of each location, ensuring that the appropriate number and type of chargers are deployed.

Nick Ballamy, CEO of EVC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, emphasizing their joint commitment to a sustainable future. He highlighted the convenience it would bring to guests, allowing them to easily charge their EVs while enjoying their stay. The aim is to create a seamless experience for EV drivers, providing them with reliable and accessible charging facilities that offer peace of mind during their travels.

Hugh Cooper, Development Director at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the partnership with EVC, recognising the value it would bring to their guests. He noted that the new charging facilities would enhance the amenities at their 30 hotels, providing reassurance to guests that they can seamlessly charge their EVs while enjoying the various offerings such as spas, golf courses, and restaurants. Together, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts and EVC are taking a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and offering enhanced services to their environmentally conscious guests.

£85M DEAL STRUCK FOR HISTORIC EDINBURGH LANDMARK

The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh has changed ownership in a deal said to be valued at £85m. The five-star hotel has been acquired by Twenty14 Holdings, the hospitality division of LuLu Group International, based in Abu Dhabi. The sale was facilitated by property agent JLL and HVS Hodges Ward Elliott, who provided joint advisory services.

Previously, in 2007, the Hilton Hotels Corporation sold the 251-room hotel to a consortium of Israeli investors known as The Caledonian Operating Company for £51.7 million. However, with this latest sale to Twenty14 Holdings, Hilton will continue to operate the hotel under its prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand, which has been in place since 2012.

The Caledonian Hotel has long been regarded as a crown jewel within the UK hotel market. Following a recent refurbishment program overseen by the previous owners, the hotel was restored to its former grandeur and reopened as the first Waldorf Astoria property in the UK.

Will Duffey, a representative from JLL’s hotels and hospitality division, expressed his satisfaction with the transaction, stating that the advisory team is pleased to have facilitated the sale of this irreplaceable trophy hotel. He emphasized the importance of preserving and safeguarding this significant asset for future generations. The Caledonian Hotel holds great historical and cultural value and is poised to continue its legacy under the stewardship of Twenty14 Holdings. .

BY ALASTAIR ROY OF ARO PROCUREMENT