Race to check-in

Delancey, the investment advisor, has successfully acquired a site of over two acres, located on the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit in Weybridge, Surrey. It has also secured detailed planning consent for the development of a landmark 120-bedroom hotel.

The freehold site has been acquired from DaimlerChrysler Retail and is located directly adjacent to Mercedes-Benz World, the largest brand experience centre of its kind in Europe.

Site preparation and construction works are scheduled to begin during spring 2008, with the hotel opening for trade in 2010.

This project provides Delancey with the opportunity to deliver a high quality hotel, on a site renowned as the birthplace of British aviation and motorsport, and in partnership with one of world’s leading pioneers in automotive technology. It occupies a prime location in the heart of one of the UK’s wealthiest catchment populations and surrounded by a wide range of major corporate occupiers.

Commenting on the acquisition, Jamie Ritblat, Chairman and Chief Executive of Delancey, said: “This acquisition marks the beginning of a very exciting new project, through which we will deliver significant value to our investors, whilst using our extensive knowledge of hotel and leisure development to capitalise on the strong potential that exists in the area for a successful, high quality hotel business.

“We are also excited at the prospect of working in partnership with Mercedes-Benz World and the Brooklands attractions to maximise the mutual benefits available.”

Wilfried Steffen, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler UK Ltd, commented on the deal: “Announcing the hotel acquisition now, as Mercedes-Benz World celebrates its first birthday, is an important chapter in the ongoing story of Brooklands. It has been 100 years since the circuit’s inaugural race, and 12 months since our brand experience centre opened.

“Now, with Delancey, we have a serious blue chip partner with a proven track record in providing exceptional standards of accommodation and hospitality. Mercedes-Benz is very much looking forward working with Delancey over the coming months and years.”

Mercedes-Benz World will surely hold as an allure for the hotel. The centre has a wide variety of attractions, including simulator rides, interactive challenges, enthralling exhibits and, most excitingly 2.5km of handling circuits. There is also a 10 acre off-road terrain course, whilst inside the main building, every car in the range and every colour available is on display, along with a host of exhibits, and a restaurant and café. It is thought that the two developments will compliment each other neatly.

Delancey currently own several other resorts in a growing portfolio, including Bovey Castle Hotel, Bailbrook House in Bath, and The Grand in Jersey.

The design stage of the development is at an advanced stage, and building is expected to begin quickly and finish under a very tight schedule in running with Delancey’s past high standards of production.

The name of the Brooklands Hotel development project is yet to be decided, although an announcement is expected in the near future.