Principal Hayley Group has unveiled plans to develop a new 227-bedroom hotel in Liverpool. The group has acquired the Grade II-listed Martins Bank building in Water Street in Liverpool city centre, which was occupied by Barclays Bank until 2009.

It is also the building where Britain's gold reserves were secretly stored during the Second World War.

The new hotel is expected to include two restaurants, three bars, a spa plus conference and banqueting facilities.

Many of the Grade II-listed building’s original features will also be retained with the main dining area enclosed within the horseshoe-shaped tellers’ counter and the original writing desks kept.

The new hotel will join a portfolio of ten hotels, including the 370-bedroom Hotel Russell in London, which is expected to become the group's flagship property.

Details:  www.principal-hayley.com