Russell WBHO has completed the £70m transformation of the former Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Delivered in three phases for UAE-based Select Group, the project involved the expansion, refurbishment and fit-out to create the five-star Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere.
The works saw Russell WBHO upgrade 81 existing guest rooms to a five-star standard and add a further 35 rooms across the site, including a three-storey, 24-bedroom extension. The conference centre was also expanded with a two-storey extension – the ground floor provides event space for up to 1,000 people, a pre-function bar area and a large commercial kitchen. The first floor features a new golf club lounge, outdoor terraces and meeting rooms.
Further upgrades include a new restaurant to be operated by Gordon Ramsay and enhancements to the existing orangery, which now incorporates a champagne and oyster bar.
The final phase of works comprised extensive hard and soft landscaping spanning 10,000 sq m, car park improvements and new external lighting.
Gareth Russell, Managing Director of Russell WBHO, said: “This was an exceptionally diverse project that combined our new build, refurbishment and heritage expertise. From pre-construction through to completion, we worked in close partnership with Select Group, collaborating on the design and carefully phasing each element.
“Delivering a scheme of this complexity and quality is something the whole team is really proud of. It’s been a privilege to watch the resort come to life and to add it to our prestigious hotel portfolio.”
Israr Liaqat, Group CEO for Select Group, added: “From the outset, Russell WBHO brought the skills, experience, and dedication that this project demanded, and the results speak for itself. The development sets a new benchmark for five-star hospitality in the North West, offering opulent accommodation, world-class spa and golf experiences, exceptional dining and grand event spaces.”
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is Accor’s fourth Fairmont-branded property in the UK, joining Fairmont Windsor Park, Fairmont St Andrews and The Savoy, a Fairmont-managed hotel.
