THE COMPANY behind a multi-million pound revamp of the Norbreck Castle has taken over another of Blackpool's most prominent hotels.

Britannia Hotels, the UK's largest private hotel group, is the new owners of the Grand Metropole, the only hotel between the promenade and the seafront.

The hotel was previously owned by the Grand Leisure Hotels Group, which also sold hotels in Llandudno, Folkestone and Scarborough as part of the deal. The four hotels have a combined total of 1,100 rooms.

The Metropole is one of Blackpool's longest established hotels and was once part of the Butlins group.

Britannia took over the Norbreck Castle in a £6 million deal last year, and says it is currently spending around £9 million on a series of internal and external renovations.

The Altrincham based firm is the UK's biggest private hotel group and now owns 28 hotels across the country, including Liverpool's famous Adelphi Hotel.

Nobody from Britannia Hotels was available to discuss its plans for the Metropole, but in a statement on the firm's website it said: "These purchases bring Britannia's estate to 28 units throughout the UK, all of which offer great value for money and quality accommodation.

"The primary focus of these resort hotels will be on the leisure market.

"They offer themed breaks and specialised packages targeted for those seeking great weekends away and and holidays in delightful locations and fabulous settings."

Another Blackpool venue which could change hands soon is Wicked, the resort's first male lap dancing club. Property agents, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell the Chapel Street venue.

Jon-Paul Hardman of the company's Manchester office said: "Our client has been unable to develop this substantial space due to pressing constraints on his time caused by alternate business interests.

"With substantial scope for development, the business could be operated by day one by any enthusiastic owner.

"By increasing the number of nights and links with various tour agencies, it would be relatively simple to increase the turnover without too much effort."