Ambitious plans to convert one of Cheltenham's most famous landmarks into a luxurious spa hotel have been cautiously welcomed by the town's Civic Society, who believe it could bring long-term benefits to the area.
The group, dedicated to preserving Cheltenham's architectural and historical heritage, has reacted to the news of the Municipal Offices' sale with measured optimism.
Since the end of last year, the grade II* listed building, currently home to Cheltenham Borough Council, has been on the market. However, council leaders recently revealed that the building could soon be transformed into a high-end hotel and spa.
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Following a thorough marketing and bidding process, an 'exclusivity agreement' has been initiated, allowing for a three-month period of due diligence.
The preferred bidder, Almiranta Capital Ltd, envisions a 125-room luxury hotel, complete with a spa, event spaces, and conference facilities, catering to both locals and visitors.
Andrew Booton, Chair of Cheltenham Civic Society, noted that the Municipal Offices already possess a "classy hotel" aesthetic, suggesting that such a transformation could significantly boost the town's vitality.
"It is very encouraging that developers believe that the council's office building in the Prom may have a viable future as an upmarket hotel," he said. "While there have been a number of budget hotel developments over the years, Cheltenham has not seen a significant expansion of luxury hotel accommodation in many decades – most of the upmarket hotel developments having been restorations and upgrades of existing accommodation.
"The grade II* listed municipal building already benefits from just looking like a classy hotel.
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"And introducing such a use in what is perhaps the most prestigious part of the Prom could generate a major uplift to the vitality of the town centre.
"However, it is very early days and we must be cautious about the deliverability of such a scheme.
"Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) has been in talks with the owners of Cavendish House for more than four years now and we have yet to see a planning application."
Mr Booton is keen that similar delays do not arise with Municipal Offices hotel scheme.
He said: "The risk looms large that both the municipal offices and Cavendish House could be boarded up at the same time – which, if allowed to happen, could have a very adverse impact on the rest of the Prom.
"But the long-term benefits of this hotel scheme could be huge. Not only would the town centre gain an increase in business, footfall and overall vitality, but CBC itself could benefit from the sale – potentially to the tune of £20m or more.
"That would enable it to both rehouse itself and undertake some much-needed and desirable improvements to the town centre.
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"Though whether in fact CBC would be the beneficiary will depend on the move towards creating one or more unitary authorities for Gloucestershire.
"We look forward to engaging with the developer over the coming months."