A history-making footballer is part of a group bringing an exciting £850,000, 12-bedroom Aparthotel to Coatbridge town centre, with a gross development value (GDV) of £1.15-1.2 million.
Ian Henderson, Rochdale’s all-time leading goalscorer, is striking out into the Monklands property market by “restoring and rejuvenating” 18 Academy Street by “breathing new life into its interior and exterior”.
Ian and project partners Stephen Gallagher, Derek McGroarty and Peter Rooney acquired the property in February last year and are “targeting a launch in June or July”.
The plan is to transform the site into a fully digitised Aparthotel and Ian is excited about the positive impact the venue will have on the community.
The striker told Lanarkshire Live: “People want efficiency, speed and comfort when they stay in a property and our idea is to fully digitise the guest experiences – and we intend to operate digitally.
“Every room will have an en-suite and kitchenette, and have bags of space.
“People will come from far and wide for leisure or business and they will be able to cook and do their washing on site.
“We want to make things as automatic as possible. There will be a housekeeping team available and digital keypads upon entry to the site, with a code for room access.
“And there will always be accessibility and the opportunity to talk to someone.”
Ian bought his first property on his 18th birthday and his business partners have a wealth of experience in the industry.
Explaining what drew the team to Coatbridge, Ian said: “My dad is from the south side of Glasgow, and my three business partners are from Glasgow.
“The Coatbridge venue is within the M8 corridor, so it’s close to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“Academy Street appealed due to its close proximity to the town centre.
“The Aparthotel aims to offer a unique, multi-sensory experience for visitors.
“Combining historical charm with luxury and convenience, it’s designed to attract both tourists and business travellers.
“This project is about more than restoring a building; it’s about creating opportunities.
“By supporting SMEs, boosting tourism, and generating local economic activity, we aim to make a meaningful impact in Coatbridge.”
National League player, Ian, 39, added: “We went down the planning route and got permission in early 2024.
“I have visited Coatbridge quite a few times, and spent a lot of time in The Mint restaurant.
“A project like this lends itself to helping the local economy and by creating something a bit different in the market, we think it will stand out and be the best in class.
“We plan to break ground in Q1 2025, targeting a launch in June or July.
“The project is being delivered in partnership with Jamie Macdonald of Macdonald Engineers, ensuring the highest standards of quality and design.”
Along with his success on the football pitch, Ian has “always been involved in business”, telling us: “I bought my first property on my 18th birthday and collaborate with all three of my business partners.
“The regeneration of town centres has huge appeal for us and we aim to build our haüss brand.
“I have three incredible partners who all have different skills and strengths and we compliment each other well.”
More details about the Coatbridge project are available by visiting here.
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