£50m five-star hotel planned on site of former Plymouth ‘eyesore’

Plans have been revealed for a £50m development including a new five-star hotel on the site of a former Plymouth ‘eyesore’.

Henley Real Estate will develop the 0.9-hectare site, which was purchased by Plymouth City Council in 2015 and put back on the market after the destruction of a derelict hotel that had previously been located on the site.

The 60-bedroom boutique hotel will feature state-of-the-art conference facilities, a full gym and spa, a panoramic penthouse with  a fine-dining restaurant and will be named 1620 in commemoration of the sailing of The Mayflower.

The development, which will also include a separate tower comprising 80 apartments, will also follow the 1620 branding.

Ian Bowyer, Plymouth City Council leader, said: “To have acquired the site, demolished an eyesore building and attract a new exciting development in less than 12 months just shows what can be done with a bit of drive and courage.

“We took a bold and proactive approach and it is paying off. Not only will this development deliver more high quality hotel rooms in time for Mayflower 400, it helps the city up its game as a year-round destination.”

The hotel, which was sold by JLL Hotel and Hospitality Group, is planned to open in 2019.