Katarina Railko brings her extensive background in travel, tourism, and event management to our discussion on the evolving landscape of urban accommodation. With the rise of the digital nomad and the shifting needs of corporate professionals, she offers deep insights into how the new SevenStay development in Liverpool is reshaping the concept of the extended stay. Her expertise in the hospitality sector and her affinity for high-level conferences provide a unique perspective on what modern travelers truly value in a home away from home.
We explore the transition from traditional long-term leases to flexible monthly stays, the revitalization of urban structures that have sat dormant for years, and the integration of luxury amenities that allow professionals to feel truly at home without the administrative burden of traditional renting. Our conversation also touches on how the removal of logistical friction can significantly enhance productivity for project-based workers.
Traditional leases often require twelve-month commitments, while hotels are designed for very brief stays; how is this new model at 60 Old Hall Street bridging that gap for professionals in Liverpool?
Professionals today seek a sense of belonging and stability without the restrictive “handcuffs” of a traditional twelve-month lease. In Liverpool’s business quarter, we are seeing a massive influx of contractors and relocated employees who need more than a cramped hotel room but want to avoid the headache of setting up their own utilities. By offering stays specifically tailored for one, two, or three months, this model provides a premium sanctuary where a guest can simply drop their bags and feel at home instantly. It is about creating a “hassle-free” environment where the transition into a new city feels like a seamless upgrade rather than a bureaucratic nightmare.
What specific design choices and amenities within these 44 serviced apartments allow a guest to transition from a high-pressure workday to a comfortable living environment?
The design focuses on total autonomy, featuring fully equipped kitchens and dedicated dining spaces that allow guests to maintain their own healthy personal routines and cook their own meals. On the upper floors, private balconies provide a breathtaking sensory escape with views over the city and the River Mersey, offering a moment of calm after a busy day in the commercial district. The inclusion of full-fibre Wi-Fi ensures that the “digital nomad” lifestyle is supported by top-tier technology, while the upcoming basement gym offers a vital physical outlet for daily stress. This combination of a virtual front desk and concierge services ensures that while the guest has luxury privacy, they are never truly alone if they need assistance.
The transformation of 60 Old Hall Street involved reviving a building that stood vacant for six years; what does this project signal for the future of Liverpool’s commercial district and the repurposing of urban spaces?
Reviving a building that sat dormant for six years is a powerful statement about the resilience and growth of Liverpool’s thriving business quarter. It shows a serious commitment to urban regeneration, turning a formerly empty shell into 44 vibrant, luxury apartments that serve the modern, mobile economy. This project reflects a wider trend where developers are reimagining existing infrastructure as specialized hospitality facilities to support evolving corporate needs. By breathing life back into these spaces, we are not just adding beds; we are strengthening the city’s business infrastructure and making it far more attractive for international talent and long-term projects.
Beyond the physical space, how does the removal of “friction” like utility setups and lengthy references impact the mental well-being and productivity of a relocating employee or contractor?
The mental load of moving into a new city is often staggering, involving complex utility setups and exhausting reference checks that distract from the professional job at hand. When you remove that friction, you allow a professional to focus 100% of their creative energy on their local contract or corporate project. There is a profound emotional relief in walking into a beautifully designed, luxury space where the lights are already on and the high-speed internet is ready to go. It eliminates the “transient” feeling of a hotel and replaces it with the stability of a home, which is essential for maintaining high productivity over a sixty or ninety-day period.
With the hospitality industry increasingly blending business infrastructure with luxury living, how do you see this trend evolving for digital nomads and project-based workers?
We are moving toward a “hospitality-first” approach to living where the lines between a luxury hotel and a residential apartment are almost indistinguishable. For project-based workers, the demand for design-led, flexible accommodation is growing rapidly as more companies adopt remote or hybrid work models. People want the amenities of a high-end property—like a gym and professional concierge—but with the soul and kitchen functionality of a private residence. As we see in developments across major cities, the focus is shifting toward “experience-led” stays that value the guest’s time and comfort above all else.
What is your forecast for the future of flexible corporate housing in major UK cities?
I anticipate a significant surge in “aparthotel” models that specifically target the “missing middle” of the rental market—those needing stays longer than a week but much shorter than a year. As urban centers like Liverpool continue to attract global professionals, the traditional twelve-month tenancy will become an outdated relic for the modern, mobile workforce. We will likely see more vacant commercial buildings being converted into high-tech, serviced hubs that prioritize flexibility and luxury over long-term commitments. The success of these 44 units at 60 Old Hall Street is just the beginning of a broader movement toward a more agile and guest-centric urban living experience.
