National hotel chain Premier Inn have confirmed they are looking at building another hotel on the Island in the Sandown area, but have rejected rumours that they will take over the run-down Grand Hotel.
Island Echo understands plans are in the pipeline to develop a new retail park similar to that of Coppins Bridge with a drive-thru restaurant, retail units and a brand new hotel on land near to Dinosaur Isle.
Back in 2002 – some 13 years ago – planning permission was granted for such a development on 13 acres of land between Culver Parade and Marsh Close. As Dinosaur Isle was part of this application and was subsequently built, the planning permission is still valid. The land in question was sold at auction for just £180,000 in August last year, but it is unknown who purchased the site.
Rumours have been circulating this week on Facebook that The Grand Hotel was going to become a Premier Inn hotel, but those rumours have now been put to bed. The chain are however currently in the process of building an 81-bedroom hotel at Merrie Gardens in Lake, as illustrated above.
