PLANS to convert a pair of Georgian grade II-listed buildings into a boutique hotel have been given the go-ahead at the second time of asking.
The historic townhouses in Rother Street are currently owned by Stratford Town Trust and international hotel operator Malmaison Hotel du Vin was looking to lease the building from them to create a 48-bedroom hotel and bistro in the heart of Stratford.
The hotel, which is expected to create 65 jobs, is set to open in summer 2017.
The application was recommended for approval when it first appeared before Stratford District Council’s planning committee back in November.
But after concerns were raised about the proposed design and materials to be used, members opted to defer a decision on the project.
Developers S Harrison Developments Ltd have since gone back to the drawing board and the modified proposals were finally given the green light by the authority’s planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday.
The final project will include a four-storey rear extension as well as plans to create a restaurant, bar, lounge and outside courtyard.
CEO of Hotel du Vin, Paul Roberts, admitted he was extremely excited about opening in the centre of Stratford.
He said: “The hotel’s lifestyle brand is a perfect fit for those attracted to the stunning and thought-provoking Shakespearean sites that make Stratford such a global destination.”
And Stratford Town Trust chief executive, Helen Munro, added: “This is fantastic news for Stratford – we have no doubt Hotel du Vin will be a superb addition to the town.
“The trust has been looking at ways to enhance the Rother Street area – with our investment in Stratford ArtsHouse, work underway at Bell Court and now the arrival of Hotel du Vin, the future is very exciting.”
Built in 1798, the two townhouses have been used as offices in recent years, before which they also served as a surgery, social club, day centre and beauty salon.
