Britannia Hotels Group has revealed plans for new investment in the historic Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport by adding 10 new bedrooms.
The 120 bedroom Grade II Listed venue, which dates back to the Victorian era in 1853-54, will see the new en-suite bedrooms added to the ground floor as part of the renovation.
They would replace function rooms, rooms and ancillary rooms which have “fallen in disuse”.
Previous owners have been criticised for ‘neglecting’ part of the huge 6,050 square metre landmark.
Britannia also argues that the hotel has evolved constantly over the decades.
The plans, drawn up by Prestwich Design Group, said: “The Royal Clifton Hotel has responded well to this evolution, and during its 170 years of existence has endured circumstances, including two world wars; and only its continuous adaptation has guaranteed its survival.
“Whilst the exterior fabric of the Royal Clifton Hotel will remain untouched; it has been envisaged that the opportunity, for some of the internal rooms fallen in disuse to be converted into additional guest bedrooms without negatively affecting the relationship and hierarchy of the existing internal layout.
“Instead, this approach has been identified as a positive factor that doesn’t detract but enhances the internal layout and reflects also an adaptation to the current times and a more proficient way to utilise buildings; avoiding the possibility of misuse or neglect which can have a serious detrimental effect on valuable buildings particularly those who are part of the patrimonial heritage.
“The building has a total area of 6,050 sq m; the building comprises a total of 120 guest accommodations with a variety of family rooms with 2, 3 or even 4 extra beds often located in a separate room. It is proposed to add at ground floor, in lieu of function rooms, rooms and ancillary rooms no fallen in disuse since the previous ownership, a total of 10 bedrooms: six to the front, toward the promenade; and the remaining to the rear toward a quieter area of the establishment.”
A formal planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council.
The Royal Clifton Hotel was bought by Britannia Hotels Group on 13th May 2021.
A traditional Victorian hotel, the original Royal Hotel was designed by Thomas Withnell and dates 1853-1854. It was subsequently extended in 1865.
It was first registered as Grade II Listed on 15th November 1972.
It was merged with the former Clifton Hotel next door, which started life as two houses, in 1977.
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