Hey Stud: Warner Leisure invests GBP 50 million in new flagship property
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Warner Leisure Hotels has shown its faith in the continued success of the British hospitality market by investing GBP 50 million (USD 65 million) in its first new property for more than 15 years.
New flagship property Studley Castle Hotel in Warwickshire, the company’s fourteenth location in the UK, is slated for its official opening in March 2019, in a move the company believes will “reaffirm that British staycations are buoying the local leisure market”.
Bolstered by figures from the Holiday Review UK 2018 report; which said Brits were expected to spend GBP 129 billion on the domestic leisure industty — a 17% increase compared to five years ago and predicted to rise further in the coming years, the company is confident of the hotels popularity.
“We have a unique proposition in the market”
Commenting on the new investment, managing director Simon Thompson says: “Studley Castle signals a significant investment in the start of an exciting new era for Warner. Professional advice and skills have been used to ensure that we expertly restored the castle to its former glory. Now stands a historic castle with 21st century technology. The castle’s historic and contemporary features are designed so that guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a luxurious stay.’’
Thompson went on to add: “We have a unique proposition in the market and Studley is set to support our growth in helping us become more relevant to existing and new audiences. Studley Castle will also introduce a new age of flexibility in the way our breaks are purchased, and importantly immerse guests in the best of both worlds – a luxurious adventure that will leave guests with memories that will last a lifetime.”
Designed by architect Samuel Beazley in the 1800’s, Studley Castle was once home to an agricultural college that trained the country’s ‘Land Girls’ during both World Wars. A substantial three-year renovation project that has seen the Grade II listed building become one of the most interesting conservation projects in the country, Studley Castle is the biggest investment for Warner’s parent company Bourne Leisure.
Upwards of GBP 20 million has been spent on restoring the original parts of the castle, including the main building, the stables, and lodge. An additional GBP six million has been spent on reinstating the stained-glass windows, turrets, stone work, and roof using carefully sourced original tiles. The remaining GBP 24 million has been carefully invested into transforming an historic building into a 21st century Warner Leisure Hotel, particularly its live music venue, which has taken inspiration from Samuel Beazley’s original designs.
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