A MYSTERY cash-buyer has purchased the Mercure Last Drop Hotel in Bromley Cross for more than £4 million.

The 128-bed hotel and spa complex in Hospital Road will continue to trade under the Mercure Brand after being sold to “one of the UK’s largest private property development groups.”

The off-market sale was carried out by Amaris Hospitality and brokered by agents Christie & Co — with the hotel sold off a guide price of £4.25 million.

While the company behind the purchase has not gone public, several websites including Companies House list a firm called Last Drop Hotel Limited - which names directors including Peter Emerson Jones, chairman of the Emerson group as well as fellow Emerson board members Mark Emerson Jones and Tony Emerson Jones. 

The Emerson Group owns the Middlebrook and has built more than 1,100 homes in Bolton.

The complex boasts some of the largest conference facilities in the North West, with capacity for more than 700 guests in 14 conference and meeting rooms.

The Last Drop also regularly hosts weddings and other private functions across the year.

The hotel in part dates back to the 18th Century and includes cobbled streets as well as the modern spa and leisure facilities.

Alex Campbell, who brokered the deal on behalf of Christie & Co said: “By means of an off market campaign, we were able to source a cash purchaser who was keen to own this very famous trading business.  “The Last Drop really does have all that a hotel requires — 128 guest bedrooms, extensive conference and banqueting facilities and a modern spa.”  He added: “In addition to the facilities and geographical location, the hotel sits in an extensive site which will allow the new owner to consider future growth and development.”

The hotel was put on the market back in 2014, at a guide price of £3 million.

Mercure took over running of the complex from the Macdonald Hotels group who had sold it to investment firm Moorfield Group back in 2007.

Bromley Cross Councillor Norman Critchley said he was "delighted" with the news that the complex would be continuing in its current guise.

He said: "It is in a wonderful locations and is a lovely site for weddings and other events.

"If it can be maintained at its current standard and even increase the number of events taking place there then it will be a win for Bromley Cross, Bolton and the North of England."

Fellow Ward Councillor David Greenhalgh said he had been given no reason to believe the new owners would be using the area for anything other than running the hotel.

He said: "As Ward Councillors we will always resist and fight against any plans to develop the green belt land surrounding the hotel because Bromley Cross cannot cope with any more traffic.

"But we are pleased to hear that the Last Drop will continue in its current form, it is good for the area and the hotel has been extremely supportive of the Bromley Cross community."

The Bolton News has contacted The Emerson Group for a response.