A spa, terrace and a high standard of refurbishment have been unveiled as part of a multi-million-pound plan for an iconic Isle of Wight hotel.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the Albion Hotel was recently bought by A2K Leisure who promised a multi-million pound refurbishment and those plans have now been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, hoping to make it 1 of the ‘hottest destinations on the South Coast’.
It could see extensions to the 41-bed hotel which is said to be in ‘much need of renovation and repair’, according to planning agents Modh Design, in order ‘to sustain the future of the business and longevity of the building’.
Once the work is complete, it is hoped the hotel will be open all year round and employ 60 people. Modh says it will be the first of 3 planning applications submitted by the Surrey-based company for the Albion Hotel as it undergoes renovation. The next 2 applications will concern plans for a a new spa extension and alterations to the car park and landscape to create a terrace to the East of the hotel (as pictured below).
The other 2 applications, which are yet to be submitted, could see a spa building proposed, alterations to the East Terrace area and the parking layout. The planning agents say the proposed work will tidy up, brighten and rejuvenate the hotel, improving the street scene and surrounding area and become a ‘beacon of positive regeneration’ for the Freshwater Bay area.
The renovation has started on the interior of the building, which forms a large part of the works and does not need planning permission, to upgrade bedrooms, lighting and furniture. Planning documents submitted to the council say the works seek to bring back the Victorian heritage and historic elements of the hotel that has been lost throughout the years. It is thought the hotel hosted a young Queen Victoria while Osborne House was being constructed.
Extensions are proposed to extend service areas, improve external guest spaces and create a manager’s accommodation. Storm shutters are also proposed to be installed on the bedrooms and bar areas on the south of the building as a protective measure.
You can view the plans, 23/00610/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s website. Comments can be made until May 15.
At last a planning application that is logical and is worthy of support
Definitely needs it I look forward to seeing it when it’s done. It’s in such a fantastic spot. Hopeful the bar will be open to the locals.
I wonder how happy the guests will feel after they have been ripped off by the ferry companies before they even set foot in the hotel.
You think the clientele of this new hotel Will worry about about prices. Lol
Hopefully, a decent restaurant too. Bound to be better than the utterly bland overpriced food and fake enjoyment crowd at THE HUT. What a waste of time and money that visit was. “Oh Jeremy, the food is simply divine”. No it isn’t. It really isn’t. Bang average ranging to poor.
With Tapnel Farm already up and running, The Woodlands Resort opening near Yarmouth (Google it) and now the Albion potentially being a Spa / Hotel. It finally seems like the West Wight is starting to be regenerated. Now if we could get the Totland Pier Cafe and Restaurant opened, give the Needles Amusement Park a little facelift we might see a turn around in West Wights future.
The Albion Hotel was a great plave back in the 80’s and 90’s
shame they closed down the adjoining Cafeteria and they stopped doing the
gorgeous bar food they used to do.
Nothing seems to improve for the better.
Bring back the chicken in a basket. It is all we really want.
Let’s hope the council planners don’t ruin the developers plans
Brown envelope in the bag. Holiday paid for. Sorted.