Topland signs Dalata for Brighton hotel scheme

Topland has entered into an agreement with Dalata Hotel Group to build a new 221-bedroom Maldron hotel in a prime location close to Brighton seafront. Once completed, Dalata will enter into a new 35-year lease with Topland.

The new hotel is to be built on Cannon Place, part of a wider site owned by Topland Group, with a planning application submitted to Brighton & Hove City Council for the development. The site is also home to the landmark Metropole Hotel, currently leased to Hilton, which is to undergo a major refurbishment, reinforcing its position as one of the leading hotels in the city.

William Davies, director of asset management at Topland, said: “This is an important agreement for Topland, securing a long-term letting from a strong and growing hotel group in Dalata. Together with the refurbishment of the Metropole, this represents a major investment in Brighton, significantly improving the leisure and conferencing offer in one of the UK’s strongest markets and adding to Topland’s well-established hotel portfolio.”

The deal was reached despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the longer-term strength of this location and the wider hotel market.

Oliver Armitstead, associate director at Savills, added: “This agreement with Dalata, and the refurbishment of the Metropole Hotel, highlights the strength and resilience of Brighton as one of the top-performing hotel markets in the UK, and the strong commitment of Topland to the sector.”

Savills advised Topland Group.