La Touche Hotel is on the derelict register... for now
THE former La Touche Hotel is on the derelict sites register at the moment, but the owner has carried out works to secure the site.
At their monthly meeting last Tuesday, members of Greystones Municipal District heard that the property went on the derelict sites register in July.
The owner submitted a number of proposals to improve the site and then carried out works including the removal of hedging, painting the front facade and hoarding, new hoarding where necessary, removal of graffiti, and replacement of tiles on the roof.
A preliminary inspection confirmed that the works were done with further inspection to be done in the coming week.
A decision will then be made on the status of the site.
After noting that the site looked better, Cllr Derek Mitchell said that the owners have agreed to an independent report on whether the building can be restored, but that council officials won’t meet them.
The front and back walls of the building are subject to preservation orders.
The officials say that they shouldn’t be discussing the site before making a decision on its status. They also want to see their commitment to an independent report in writing.
‘If we have a stand-off it will fall down,’ said Cllr Grainne McLoughlin.
Members agreed to send a request from the district to the county council that a senior manager meet the owners and initiate an independent structural crew.
In September 2015, Kavere La Touche Ltd received permission to develop the site. Plans include five four-storey houses, as well as a number of residential blocks on the Cliff Road side.
The building became derelict after its closure in 2004 and was plagued by a series of fires.
In 2005 planning permission was granted for 85 apartments as well as a refurbishment of the hotel, with 818 square metres of retail and office use.
It was on the market for €15 million in 2009 but was sold by the receiver for far less than that in recent years.