Bombshell of Belleisle hotel Council make buyback threat
Ticking timebomb Belleisle House Hotel is set to explode after the council threatened to buy it back from a developer.
Council neighbourhood boss Mike Newall has issued a public ultimatum to John Campbell who owns the derelict mansion.
Mr Newall declared time is up for the promised refurbishment of the Ayr building, which is falling into increasing disrepair.
He accused Mr Campbell of failing to respond to requests for information on progress and slammed his lack of communication as “unacceptable.”
And in a stern warning, he threatened South Ayrshire Council could buy it back or refuse building warrants.
South Ayrshire Council sold the historic house to Mr Campbell in 2012 for a cut price £ 300,000 on the condition it would be turned into a luxury hotel and spa.
The condition of the sale was work would be completed by August 15 this year, at the latest.
No work has been done for two years – with the building becoming a blight in beautiful Belleisle park.
In an unusual step the council has released a statement saying the “incomplete project to redevelop the Belleisle House Hotel has reached a critical milestone.”
It said the Cumnockbased developer has failed to meet the “terms of the sale.”
Mr Newall said: “We have made significant efforts to work with the hotel developer to progress outstanding issues in relation to building warrant applications and parking provision. However, we require their input to finalise these matters which has not been forthcoming.
“This is absolutely unacceptable and we have contacted the developer to highlight the truly critical juncture we are now at and to outline the potential courses of action open to the Council, which could include the refusal of building warrants or even a ‘ buy- back’ of the building.
“However, we hope this latest contact prompts the appropriate response from the developer that allows us all to have a clear picture of what’s happening and to make informed decisions about the future of the building for the benefit of our people and communities.”
Mr Campbell has hit out at the council in the past saying he needs more ground for car parking.
The hotel has become a target for vandals who have smashed window panes and the security fencing is falling down.
Meanwhile, South Ayrshire Council has lodged plans to create a restaurant and cafe as well as visitor centre in the old estate visitor block.
And MP Bill Grant hopes the development wi l l increase the pressure on Mr Campbell.
He said: “We’ve already seen superb regeneration of the conservatory and walled garden. And the new children’s play area is a tremendous success. People are now, quite rightly, looking for progress with the hotel.
“S u r e l y , t h e enhancements being made to the park will be an incentive for hotel owner Mr Campbell to resume renovation work.”
John Campbell failed to comment.