THE owner of a landmark Liverpool hotel has withdrawn his appeal against its compulsory purchase.
(At Last!!)
Businessman Shook Kwan "Jimmy" Wong said today he had been told he was not likely to win his battle at the high court next week over the future of the Scandinavia Hotel.
The Chinatown building is on the ECHO's Stop the Rot hitlist.
It was the subject of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) after the city council claimed a lack of progress on restoring the site was holding up regeneration in the Rope Walks area.
Mr Wong appealed against the CPO and a three-day public inquiry was held last June whichfound in favour of the city.
But Mr Wong, who has plans to turn the building into a restaurant, snooker hall and oriental museum, took his battle to the high court saying he was concerned the inquiry had not been conducted properly.
He said today he still felt he had been treated unfairly, but added: "I was told I just could not win it.
"But I haven't given up fighting. It's now in the hands of my solicitor and I will let him decide the next move."
Letters of support for Mr Wong had been sent to the high court, including one from Cllr Joe Anderson.
Mr Wong owns 30% of the site, facing on to Nelson Street, and holds a lease on the remainder which is owned by development company Frenson.
Liverpool city council could not give more details on what would happen next. It has previously signed an agreement with developers Downing for a £14m hotel, offices and residential scheme on the site.
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