The family behind boutique Cornish hotel Watergate Bay has signed a deal with Urban Splash to operate a new 60-bedroom hotel in Plymouth, Devon.
The hotel will form part of Urban Splash’s regeneration of the Royal William Dockyard.
An £18m investment will transform the flagship Melville building into the hotel, with completion scheduled for 2015.
Will Ashworth, managing director of Watergate Bay, said: “When we first arrived at Royal William Yard and saw the potential of the Melville building, I immediately knew we could create something really exciting.
“We have a distinctive approach to hospitality and ‘active relaxation’ lies at the heart of what we do. Our north Cornwall hotel has its own special sense of style and tone, and our aim is to take this and develop it in a way that is right for Royal William Yard. We are keen to create a business that plays a significant part in the plans for the regeneration of Plymouth.”
The hotel will also feature two restaurants, a cocktail bar, members club, 25m swimming pool and an events space for leisure and business use.
Urban Splash director Nathan Cornish said: “This is a significant milestone in our redevelopment of Royal William Yard and we are very pleased at entering into an agreement with Watergate Bay. It has long been our intention to bring a quality hotel operator to the Yard and this announcement is a big step in making this a reality.
“There is lots of hard work ahead before the scheme gets on site and we look forward to working with Watergate Bay through the planning and development process to further realise our vision of a thriving mixed-use community.”
Urban Splash and Watergate Bay hope to get consent for the project within the next few months.
samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com
