Corinthia Hotels International (CHI) is to operate a 173-bedroom hotel at the centre of The Quarter, a £100m property scheme in Liverpool.

The Ramada Plaza-branded hotel will form the centrepiece of The Quarter scheme, which is next to the city’s new Arena and Convention Centre.

The hotel will be aimed at corporate and high-end leisure customers and will feature a fine dining restaurant, spa and business centre with conference facilities

Mark Connor, chief executive of Vermont Developments, the company behind The Quarter project, said: “The successful conclusion of these negotiations is a major milestone for our development at The Quarter. Ramada Plaza is one of the world’s foremost hotel brands and to secure such a prestigious hotel operator as CHI is a testament to the quality of the scheme and Liverpool’s growing international reputation.

“We are looking forward to seeing the Ramada Plaza hotel at The Quarter providing a welcome addition to the emerging hotel strip along Liverpool’s waterfront.”

Tony Potter chief executive officer of CHI, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing the upscale Ramada Plaza Brand to Liverpool for the first time in collaboration with Vermont, adding to our ever growing international presence.”

The Ramada Plaza Liverpool is scheduled to open in June 2010.