Guild Tower hotel is given the nod and here’s a glimpse inside

Inside the proposed hotel in the Guild Tower

Here’s a glimpse inside the new ‘aparthotel’ which could soon be part of Preston’s skyline.

Plans for The Guild Tower were passed unanimously by Preston City Council’s planning committee on Thursday (8 December).

Simon Rigby wants to convert the building into Villa Urban – a £10 million hotel and leisure complex.

The building is currently leased to the Department for Work and Pensions and negotiations are understood to be ongoing about their use of the building.

In the meantime Frank Whittle Partnership has secured the planning permission for the building to become a hotel, casino and spa if needed.

The Guild Tower isn’t exactly Preston’s most attractive hi-rise building Pic: Tony Worrall

Part of the plan would see the 105-bed hotel have a new exterior to the building, using a ‘weave effect’ facade.

Architect at FWP Seb Salisbury said: “We are delighted our plans for the Guild Tower have been approved and we look forward to delivering this ambitious and visionary regeneration scheme to transform this part of Preston city centre.

“We’re already seeing that take shape in the way it is breathing new life into the Guild Hall and the start of a new Market Quarter nearby. These are exciting times for Preston and Villa Urban simply adds to the conviction that positive things are happening in the city centre.

“We have designed a stylish mixed-use development with a modern aparthotel that will attract visitors into the city centre, along with a casino and spa and gym facilities that are also designed to complement Guild Hall complex’s role as a 21st-century leisure destination.”

The Villa Urban would be the name of the new hotel, in what is now the Guild Tower

Mr Rigby has ambitions of creating a casino within the Guild Hall – and recently bought Fives to focus on bringing one casino to Preston.

Plans show how this would be part of the first floor of the Guild Tower with a 500 square metre spa and leisure area as well.

What do you think of the hotel plan for the Tower? Let us know in the comments below