Entrepreneur Cosmo Fry, the man behind the Bedfactory Hotel group, is looking for an old hotel to renovate in Brighton and Hove.

The businessman, whose backers include Hollywood star John Malkovich and publishing magnet David MacMillan, is keen to invest in the city.

His company is currently transforming a redundant office block in Cheltenham into a 63-bedroom chic budget hotel.

It is being modelled on Mr Fry's internationally acclaimed Big Sleep Hotel, converted from the former British Gas headquarters in the centre of Cardiff.

Mr Fry said: "This time, we are seeking an existing hotel of between 50 and 100 bedrooms which has possibly become a little tired and is in need of a wake-up call.

"The Big Sleep concept, which we are now emulating with the £5 million Cheltenham project, would also be rolled out in Brighton."

Wednesday, October 18, 2005