THE second phase of the £100m regeneration of the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool city centre was approved by councillors yesterday.

The development, including a 219-bedroom hotel and 93 apartments built up to 10 storeys, will also see the relocation of the Youth Hostel Association building and a new gallery and exhibition space off Wapping.

The hotel will be clad in mirrored glass to reflect the imposing South Quay Warehouse it will face.

Developers Fountain Trustees and Hurst Street Ltd said the project would create a “new gateway to the city”, but heritage campaigners said they feared it was another plan which would detract from the majesty of Liverpool’s iconic World Heritage Site waterfront.

Developer Jonathan Pritchard, addressing yesterday’s planning committee, said: “Despite the worst possible time to be building, we have successfully completed the first part of a comprehensive regeneration of this area with investment of up to £47m.

“Our proposal builds on the original vision supported in 2008 to develop a mixed-use scheme of leisure, commercial and residential. It will be established firmly within the heritage of the area and we have worked closely with planning officers to bring this proposal forward.

“We are very proud to be a part of the growth of the area and to be able to reflect our passion for the architecture in the Baltic Triangle area.

“We are committed to the success of the creative quarter of the city.”