BEHIND-the-scenes work is continuing at pace to transform Rothesay’s seafront landmark, the Royal Hotel.
The multi-million-pound project is on schedule and, when completed, will transform the skyline of the town, bringing the Royal back to its days of glamour on Albert Place.
It is a key heritage asset for Bute and a £400k investment from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme has enabled Argyll and Bute Council to start up the substantial planning to redevelop the property.
The key slice of £4m funding comes from a £20m award by the UK Government to Argyll and Bute Council from its Community Regeneration Partnership Fund (CRPF). This funding is focused on boosting opportunities and driving positive change across communities.
The owner of the Royal Hotel and key to the redevelopment programme is George Hanson. He told The Isle of Bute News: “We’re pleased with the progress being made behind the scenes and would like to acknowledge the continued support of our funding partners, the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme and the Community Regeneration Partnership Fund (CRPF), whose investment is helping to bring forward the regeneration of the former Royal Hotel.”
George Hanson is investing a million pounds into the programme himself and described the project as very exciting.
He said it is very important people are kept up to date with progress of the redevelopment along the way. Mr Hanson added that if there are any significant delays, he’ll address those and get them into the public domain.
Once completed, the restoration project will include a suite of apartments and a series of retail units.
Phase one of the restructured Royal Hotel will cost £2.9m, with phase two running at £2.5m.
The project developers say it remains on schedule and the detailed brief is currently with the design team. George Hanson said he expects to submit the full planning application in early September and, subject to the necessary approvals, is still aiming for a site start in May next year.
Historic Scotland has described the Royal Hotel building as “an externally well-detailed Classical hotel with shops and licensed premises at ground level, occupying a highly prominent corner position on Rothesay sea-front, directly opposite the ferry terminal.”
The building has been in a state of disrepair for many years and there have been a number of restoration or repurposing proposals over time.
The Royal Hotel is recognised as a historic landmark in Rothesay
