Mikhail Hotels & Leisure Holdings Limited has unveiled stunning plans to convert an historic building into a luxury country hotel and restaurant, creating 50 new jobs.
The ambitious project is being designed by Clayton Architecture Limited, which is based in Ainsdale in Southport.
Mikhail Hotels & Leisure Holdings Limited has submitted a planning application to transform the Grade II Listed Harrison House, on Liverpool Road South in Maghull, into a hotel with a restaurant, bar and lounge, with a single storey rear extension.
The scheme would have a similar feel to West Tower Country House in Aughton or the SparrowHawk in Formby.
The company has already invested millions of pounds to create an impressive portfolio in the North West.
The firm’s properties on Lord Street in Southport include: The Bold Hotel on Lord Street; the Lord Street Hotel; and the Punch Tarmey’s Irish themed bar.
In his Design and Access Statement to Sefton Council, Clayton Architecture owner Joe Clayton wrote: “The property is truly stunning. It is no secret that the Mikhail Group has a passion for resorting or renovating buildings of significant local or historical importance. Listed status is something that we are familiar with and embrace.
“Properties are generally listed for good reason and all the architectural beauty of Harrison House is what attracts us to such a development.
“We would encourage anyone to visit The Bold Hotel in Southport or Punch Tarmeys Liverpool and just appreciate the venues. We are immensely proud of the work undertaken in such developments which we believe to be completed to the highest of standards.
“At the start of each project the aim is to bring the building to life, to appreciate and restore its existing features and highlight them to our benefit. We aim to restore buildings and complement their characteristics while at the same time tastefully adding a standard of finish that would be expected of modern society when they visit a high end hospitality venue.”
Creating the new hotel and restaurant would add something entirely new to the company’s offering.
Joe Clayton wrote: “One thing that the Mikhail Group does not currently have within the group and something that therefore really stands out in respect of Harrison House is the setting – it is green. It has a country feeling yet is close to local amenities and travel links.
“We have used the words retreat and sanctuary when describing our vision and hopes of the location.
“Local precedents which we would consider similar are Formby’s SparrowHawk, with the added benefit of hotel rooms and also the capacity to house small events yet still attract the family Sunday ltrade. In addition, West Tower, Aughton – the visual impact of the turning circle, coach house, Listed Building but with improved access and the appeal that this is there for all the community at all times, not just big occasions. The outdoor area is a great asset to the venue. The grounds can come to life on a summer’s day.
“Throughout our portfolio of venues we always aim to appeal to all generations. If we can create a venue where three generations of the same family can all come and enjoy individually or as a family unit we have accomplished one of our core values.
“We anticipate Harrison House to be a food and drink led venue, a place where couples will date, friends will meet, families will reunite a place where people come together and enjoy their time and our hospitality. With bedrooms, we can appeal to a slightly larger market geographically. We would expect a large spectrum of hotel guests who have travelled for business in Liverpool, who are attending an event at the venue or are visiting family in the area. “There will no doubt be a significant investment financially in a project of this scale but the investment in the community will continue long after the builders have left.
“Employment is largely dependent on trade but we do not doubt the potential of this location and the operation will need as many as 50 members to form a team and deliver a service to the Mikhail Group standard.
“As a group our aim is to identify locations and special buildings within those locations that we can bring to life. We can literally save the buildings from years of neglect. We invest millions of pounds into these assets and we strive to deliver the best service we can once operational
The new development will be supported by ambitious plans to build hundreds of new homes in Maghull in the coming years, which will be supported by the creation of the new railway station at Maghull North as well as improvement works connecting the M58 with new links.
Harrison House, a Grade II Listed Building, was built in 1902 and is a former epileptic home.
Since 1987 Harrison Home has been in use as a care home for the elderly.
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