Imperial Hotel Claremont Park Estate Blackpool
The centrepiece of the Claremont Park Development. Tenders for the excavations, brickwork and masonry in the foundations and basement storey of the proposed hotel were sought in October 1863 but tender documents for the superstructure were not issued until February 1865. Henry Southern & Son of Preston were appointed contractors for the works at a cost of £14,947 and the hotel opened at the beginning of July 1867. Later Old Hill Farm, just behind the hotel, was converted into stables.
The hotel was sold to a separate company for £32,000 in 1873, doubling its value in only seven years. A new wing was added in 1875 (architects Mangnall and Littlewoods). In 1900 the Imperial Hotel was further extended with the addition of Turkish baths and a ballroom. More bedrooms were built in 1903 and in 1905 the dining room, lounge and Palm Court were added.
Reference Manchester Guardian Saturday 10 October 1863 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference Manchester Guardian Tuesday 13 October 1863 Page 6 (Contracts)
Tenders invited for the excavations, brickwork and masonry in the foundations and basement storey. Tender return 17 October 1863
Reference Manchester Guardian Saturday 26 November 1864 Page 2 (Contracts) inc on tender list
Reference Manchester Guardian Saturday 3 December 1864 Page 7 (Contracts)
Reference Manchester Guardian 4 February 1865 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference Manchester Guardian 11 February 1865 (Contracts)