Byng House, the former Royal British Legion respite centre for Armed Services veterans in Southport, is on the market for £1,650,000.
It is being marketed as a potential boutique hotel that could ‘capitalise on the renaissance of the UK staycation market, particularly in the wake of Covid-19, where ‘coast and country’ hotels will bounce back the quickest’.”
The freehold sale is being handled by Colliers. The firm describes the Victorian property, which was built on The Promenade in 1840, as an “ideally located seaside hotel with uninterrupted sea views for sale”.
It was officially opened as a respite centre for veterans by Prince Andrew a decade ago.
Colliers said: “This well-located seaside hotel is extremely well appointed throughout with the current owners investing significant amounts on the building and fittings over their ownership due to the style of operation and charity ownership.
“The high-quality finish of the property would lend itself well to a ‘boutique’ style of operation and the extensive public areas would also make the property suitable for exclusive-use weddings or functions.
“There is also an opportunity for a new owner to capitalise on the renaissance of the UK ‘staycation’ market; particularly in the wake of Covid-19 where ‘coast and country’ hotels are considered to be one market which will bounce back the quickest.”
The building has 36 en-suite letting bedrooms, extensive public areas, is described as “extremely high quality throughout” and has the “potential for alternative use”.
Staff at the holiday centre were told of its planned closure just a week after Remembrance Day last year. It subsequently closed in December.
Royal British Legion said the closure was part of a cost cutting exercise which will enable it to spend more on other services such as welfare provision and Remembrance activities.
The Byng House facility was used to provide free holidays to veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel, as well as families, carers and dependents.
Guests were able to enjoy facilities including a cinema, library, games room, hair salon and a licensed bar and were also treated to coach trips to the likes of Liverpool and Chester.
Three other RBL seaside respite centres in the UK were also closed last year: Bridlington, in East Yorkshire; Weston-super-Mare, in Somerset; and Portrush in Northern Ireland.
The charity said in a statement: “The Legion must refocus its resources to address changes in the Armed Forces community, as the type of support needed is growing increasingly complex with people requiring help across multiple issues.
“The reprioritised funding will provide increased resource for; casework and providing personalised support that fits individual need, immediate needs funding including crisis grants, investment in our care services for older members of the Armed Forces community, and funding external grants to charities providing specialist support.
“The Legion remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and our team of advisers await your call on 0808 802 8080, from 8am to 8m.”
Author and former soldier Sean Connolly was disappointed by today’s news.
Sean, 58, who served in 40 Field Regiment Royal Artillery, said: “The veteran community is still reeling from the shock of hearing about the Royal British Legion’s decision to close Byng House.
“We were and still are appalled the RBL would even think of doing such a thing.
“I, like a number of other veterans in Southport, have cut all ties with the RBL and we want nothing further to do with the organisation.
“The values and commitment to ex service personnel isn’t what it was some years ago.
“I have severed payments from my books to the Legion and I am currently in the process of redirecting my profits to another military charity.
“To say I am saddened by this news today is an understatement.”
At a full council meeting on January 23 this year Sefton Council Armed Forces champion Councillor Robert Brennan put forward a motion to call on the Royal British Legion to reconsider its decision.
He said the hotels have saved veterans’ lives and added: “One veteran was told that the hotels were not cost-effective – there should be no price on veterans’ lives.
“These hotels are a safe environment for veterans and we must object strongly to their closure. Lest we forget.”
Southport MP Damien Moore also objected to the closure.
He said: “Byng House has provided respite to veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel, as well as their families and carers, for years. It has brought thousands of people to our town and provided them with an opportunity to experience a holiday, alongside facilities they need to properly rest and recuperate.
“The announcement of the closure came as a blow not only to all those who come and visit Southport through Byng House, but also to all the staff who work there, and to the wider community.”
For more details about the property visit Colliers International at: www2.colliers.com/en-GB
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