An iconic Sandown building could be in for a much-anticipated facelift, as a plan is submitted to refurbish and demolish parts of the Grand Hotel, restoring it to its former Art Deco glory.
Arson attacks have plagued the vacant hotel on Culver Parade in recent years and it is looking increasingly dilapidated.
On 5th January, four days after the application was submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service crews were again called to outbuildings on the site.
Demolish outbuildings and build new holiday apartments
A separate plan to demolish them and build new holiday apartments has also been submitted to the council, but had to be revised when concerns were raised about the potential impact on the historic WWII Pluto Pipeline.
It has now been confirmed the old fuel pipes skirt round the hotel site and its basement was not the location of the control centre.
Main building’s walls painted and hotel signs reinstalled
Owner Nick Spyker is proposing that the main building’s walls are painted and its hotel signs are reinstalled.
Documents say the vision is to restore the hotel to its 1938 glory and its designer’s original concept.
Original external appearance of the building reinstated
Ground floor extensions would also be torn down and the original external appearance of the building reinstated, where possible.
Designs drawn by MJH Architectural Service show vertical windows on the first and second floors, over the main entrance. Windows on the first and second floors would revert to their original design, old ones would be removed and new ones reflecting the Art Deco style would be installed.
Demolish ground floor lobby entrance
The ground floor lobby entrance would be demolished, reinstating the steps, canopy and entrance door, refurbishing the original revolving timber door.
There is no mention in the planning documents of whether or not the hotel would reopen, however.
View the plans
To view the plans, 22/00017/FUL, you can visit the council’s planning register. The public consultation lasts until 18th February 2022.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © MJH Architectural Services
