E Are we going to grab the bull by the horns like Tony Rowe?

ABOUT 18 months ago I was privileged to be given an exclusive peek at plans for a new hotel on the outskirts of Exeter.

They were the dreams/aspirations/plans of well-known Devon businessman Tony Rowe, among other things and businesses the chief executive and chairman of the South West Communications Group and more famously chief executive and chairman of Exeter Rugby Group Plc – otherwise known as the mighty Exeter Chiefs.

The idea was to build a four-star, 250-bedroom hotel next to the Chiefs’ Sandy Park stadium and right alongside the M5.

Tony and his team have just recently been given planning permission for the multi-million pound project.

With all the ‘Is’ dotted and the ‘Ts’ crossed it is hoped that the hotel will be open for business in the summer of 2020.

All in all it has taken him around two years to realise the dream of making a new multi-million pound hotel project a reality.

In Torbay who knows how long that may have taken ...

A new Hilton branded hotel will rise from the debris of Torquay’s Torwood Street regeneration scheme.

But that has taken almost 10 years to see the light of day and was finally helped over the finishing line with investment (for a return) by Torbay Council.

Another branded hotel is also earmarked for part of the Terrace car park just above the Torwood Street site.

But across the harbour the plans for a four-star hotel and apartments now look as likely as Torquay United winning the Premiership.

You will also need a good memory to remember a boutique hotel once planned for Oldway Mansion in Paignton.

Oldway and the Pavilion continue to fall down as a consequence.

Billionaire Singapore businessman Mr James wants to spend a mere £100million in Torbay with huge plans for the Palace and Corbyn Head hotels in Torquay and the Park Hotel and an adjoining property on Paignton seafront.

But the vocal minority that appears to rule the roost in Torbay are already making their feelings known.

Why do we have to knock down the Palace?

The Corbyn Head redevelopment is too tall and will block people’s views.

The Park Hotel scheme is not in keeping with the rest of Paignton seafront.

In essence, we are all right Jack. We don’t want or need Mr James’ millions.

Exeter Chiefs Chairman and CEO, Tony Rowe at Sandy Park

Leave the English Riviera alone and as it is.

Not sure how Tony Rowe would have operated in that environment.

He doesn’t believe in mucking about. He reveals the background to his new Exeter hotel.

He says: “We have a covenant at Sandy Park that restricts us from building on the land we bought 15 years ago.

“We have been asking the people we bought the land from to build a hotel for 10 years.

“They kept promising but did nothing so we decided to do it ourselves.

“We bought the land two years ago.

“It was about 18 months ago that I took the bull by the horns.”

So what makes Exeter different to Torbay?

Tony has no intention of criticising other areas and the people who run or influence those areas.

But he makes it clear that Exeter believes in making things happen if it is deemed for the benefit of its economy and ultimately businesses and residents.

Tony tells me: “I can only speak for Exeter because

I don’t know Torbay.

“You can understand other people’s views and you will always have some NIMBYs.

“But the city council’s approach is very much a ‘can do’ attitude.

“If it is good for the city they will crack on with it.

“They do not put hurdles in the way.” He is not saying that necessarily happens with Torbay Council, by the way.

But he says of the city council in Exeter: “The authority and the councillors were very receptive and very understanding.

“I have businesses in other areas of the UK and sometimes I think the first thing local authorities do when they get an applications is look at what ways they can prevent it.

“Exeter is a very much go ahead local authority.

“You look at the statistics. Exeter figures very highly in things like living standards and that is because of the attitude not only of the city council but also of the business people here.

“We do business in Exeter because it is a great place to do business.”

He adds: “We now have full permission.

“Over the next three months we will be just trying to sort out the

little glitches and if all goes well we will be looking to start early in the New Year.

“We are hoping to be open in the summer of 2020.

“It will have taken about two years to achieve.”

A branded chain name is already being linked to the new hotel development which will also include improving and expanding Sandy Park’s conference facilities.

The new hotel will create new jobs. “There will be other spin offs and benefits,” says Tony.

“The increase in conference business could yield another 50 to 60 jobs.”

He adds: “I am a great supporter of tourism down here. It is a key part of our economy.

“I am also a supporter of the sports entertainment business.

“People want to spend their pound on tourism or entertainment.”

Down the other end of the A38 £50million plans have just been revealed for a 12-floor, 200-bed hotel with 55 hotel apartments for former TV studios at Derry’s Cross.

A multi-storey car park is included in the proposals.

Developers have submitted an outline planning application for the derelict site.

The block will be double branded, which means two separate hotels will operate, targeting differing markets, inside the building.

It is being emphasised that the project is very much in its early stages.

But developers are hoping to have the buildings ready by 2022 – in just four years’ time.

Yes, four years, not eight, nine or 10 and then it is time to give up and walk away.

The new hotel plan for a city just 30 or so miles away – ready to compete with the English Riviera – prompted a reaction on Twitter from Torbay MP Kevin Foster.

It said: “A reminder of why in #Torbay #Nowisthetime to get on with building the modern facilities future visitors want.

“Our near neighbours and competing resorts will not wait whilst we look for perfect plans or alternatives no-one is prepared to pay for.’

Last word from Tony Rowe: “Personally I am Victorian. I am very much a traditionalist, but we have to progress. If we do not progress and look forward we cannot enjoy today.”

When, for Goodness sake, are we finally going to wake up and smell the coffee down here on the English where we should be welcoming the Mr James of this world with open arms?

And before it is all too late ...

Phil Mingo/Pinnacle