Work to build a Marbella-style beach club in Sandown ground to a halt last month due to a ‘dispute with a contractor’ relating to a fraud investigation, owners Carlauren Group have confirmed.
Local residents have been kicking off about how the former Kings House Bar now looks like a bomb site after work suddenly ceased last month. At the time owners Carlauren Group said it was ‘due to issues with building works’.
It was initially hoped that ‘Origin’ would open in July in time for the peak summer season, but those hopes were dashed when workers downed tools just weeks after the ambitious project was announced.
It has now been confirmed that a dispute with a contractor is why work on the project stopped in May and hasn’t resumed.
In a statement issued today, Carlaren have said:
“Carlauren Group would like to issue the following statement in response to recent comments regarding the Ocean Hotel and Kings Bar in Sandown on the Isle of Wight.
“Carlauren were in the process of developing the site into a hotel and a beach club.
“Unfortunately, work has had to stop immediately pending an investigation due to fraud within the contractors engaged for Carlauren.
Article continues below this advertisement “Carlauren understand that the area does not look aesthetically pleasing and this may cause distress to local residents. Their patience is appreciated whilst we come to a resolution which will include, once able to return to site, clearing the debris. Carlauren anticipate that this will be actioned within the coming weeks.
“The sister site Auckland House Hotel in Shanklin, has been fully developed to a stunning 25-bedroom operating hotel. Using local suppliers and staff to provide an exceptional holiday experience.
“Planned and anticipated for the Ocean Hotel site also. Auckland House Hotel is fast becoming known as the No.1 Hotel destination on the Isle of Wight, currently receiving a 9.4 rating on booking.com.”
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has this week said:
“The council is aware of the condition of the former Ocean Hotel site, and following the announcement from Carlauren Group that their proposals will not be going ahead, officers will be visiting the site to investigate whether or not any action is required.”
Something is very wrong here. I live opposite the site.
Correct me if wrong, but didn’t Carlauren have their planning permission refused by the council to do any such work ?
Apparently planning permission was refused on grounds to build a broadwalk to the sea as a pick up/drop off point to customers could sail in and out.
Impossible considering there’s a road and a bus stop in the way.
It was a stupid idea but the idea of the theme of the place will be excellent.
I’m going to call Carlauren tomorrow, see if I can get some work on site.
I’ll report the truth.