Hotel is doomed by virus
Bridge of Allan’s historic Royal Hotel is unlikely to reopen after the coronavirus crisis and instead could be turned into 26 homes.
An application has been submitted to Stirling Council planners, seeking a change of use of the C-listed building which was built in 1852 and sits on Henderson Street.
Owners want to turn the hotel into 12 apartments and build 14 townhouses in the grounds.
In documents submitted with the application the company’s agents Bridge of Allan Property said attempts to sell the business have failed and the Covid-19 lockdown has meant it is unlikely to reopen.
They added: “The hotel has been unprofitable for a sustained period and a substantial refurbishment has failed to alleviate these issues.
“The current closure due to the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the problem to such an extent that the owners now have no intention of reopening in the face of further losses.
“The owners have attempted to sell the hotel on four separate occasions without success.
“A remedy is sought to save the hotel building and promote a use which can be self-sustaining in the future.
“It is therefore proposed that the hotel be remodelled into apartments.
“As part of this process the modern bar extension and poor-quality ad hoc extensions to the west side of the hotel will be removed and the property reinstated to the original hotel and sandstone addition to the east wing.
“The demolition and removal of a substantial area of existing poor-quality additions combined with the extensive surrounding grounds leaves a substantial area for potential development. It is proposed to build townhouses in this area.”
The agents said the building is in reasonable condition but a “prolonged period of abandonment” would damage the ageing building.
They said: “It is considered that the principal character of the building and its contribution to the setting and character of the conservation area is the external facade of the original hotel and the additional sandstone wing to the east elevation.
“The interior is much remodelled and little original features remain. The additional outbuildings to the west are of poor quality and are in a state of disrepair and do not materially contribute to the hotel’s character.
“The modern extension and deck would not easily convert and are again not consistent with the character of either the hotel or the wider context of the conservation area.
“The proposals to remove the outbuildings to the west and the modern extension would contribute to the enhancement of the listed building.
“The current layout of the hotel would quite easily adapt to residential apartments without the need to amend the existing principle facades.
“The lack of any significant internal period detailing would also allow a conversion to happen easily, therefore the character of the listed building would be retained.
“Preservation or enhancement of the character and appearance of conservation areas should not mean an immediate aversion to change.
“It is recognised that the Royal Hotel is an important building in both the street scene and the historical context of Bridge of Allan. The proposals for the hotel are designed on this basis and seek to preserve the building and secure its use for the future.
“Development to the sides and rear of the plot will have no bearing on the street scene and will not prevent the existing hotel building being viewed from the street as the dominant building on the site.
“It is considered that securing a viable use for this listed building is very much preferable to allowing it to fall into disrepair.”
The owners have attempted to sell the hotel on four separate occasions without success