Former hotel and restaurant in Scarborough could be turned into flats

A former hotel and Tex-Mex restaurant in Scarborough could be turned into flats, under plans submitted to the borough council.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Wright Investments has applied to Scarborough Council to transform the Grade II listed Villa Esplanade in the town’s South Cliff into 26 self-contained apartments.

Also included in the plans are ground floor restaurant El Gringos and Ink bar and lounge in the basement, both of which would also become turned into flats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The prominent building would be saved from falling into disrepair if the plans are approved, planning documents state.

An artist's impression of how the development may look.An artist's impression of how the development may look.
An artist's impression of how the development may look.

The submission adds: “The council is asked to take into account the fact this [hotel] has not operated successfully for tourist and holiday use for a period well in excess of 10 years.

“Our client is looking to develop this site as residential as it is based on sound business reasoning as historically the business has failed for holiday use.

“The previous owner has provided evidence of use of the building as self-contained residential units during their ownership.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The hotel that operated on the site for many years ceased to operate due to viability issues and has been vacant for a significant length of time.”

The Villa Esplanade, ScarboroughThe Villa Esplanade, Scarborough
The Villa Esplanade, Scarborough

Villa Esplanade is a Grade II listed building of special architectural or historic interest and it also falls within the Scarborough Conservation Area which means listed building consent is also needed.

The planning documents add: “The renovation and reinvention of this building will be a positive impact on the character and environment; the concern is that the continued disuse of the building will result in further deterioration and disrepair to a point where no financial package will be viable to bring the building to an acceptable standard.

“This area of Scarborough is benefitting from the regeneration of key historic gardens; the wider area and the preservation of significant buildings is key in maintaining character and environment of South Cliff.”

The plans are now out to consultation.

A message from the editor

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you,

Jean MacQuarrie, Editor-in-Chief