Newquay councillors raise no objections to Hotel Victoria redevelopment plans

Newquay town councillors have raised no objections to plans to refurbish the Hotel Victoria and build new residential units on land currently occupied by neighbouring buildings.

The planning application has been submitted by Nici Hotels (Newquay) Ltd, which is proposing what it describes as a “luxury hotel offer and destination spa” with around 90 rooms.

According to planning documents, the application seeks full permission for the comprehensive regeneration of the Hotel Victoria complex. Proposals include retaining and refurbishing the historic core of the hotel, removing later unsympathetic additions, and constructing new residential apartment blocks on surrounding land.

The company has also revealed an intention to bring the lift shaft down to Great Western Beach back into use. It was closed following an accident in 2010, when it plunged around 100 feet with six people inside. No one was seriously hurt but one man did require surgery after the incident.

The proposals were presented to councillors on Newquay Town Council’s Planning and Licensing Committee, where representatives from the Nicholas James Group described the Hotel Victoria as “dilapidated” and in a poor state of repair. The company said it hopes to transform the building into a five-star hotel with a spa.

As part of the scheme, the developers are seeking permission to demolish neighbouring buildings, including those formerly housing Bertie’s nightclub and Señor Dick’s, along with other buildings containing residential apartments. The company also holds first option on the land currently occupied by the Griffin Inn, which remains open and trading as normal.

The developers have said the sale of apartments on the surrounding land would help fund the refurbishment and restoration of the hotel itself.

While town councillors raised no formal objections to the plans, they did note several concerns during the meeting, including the proximity of a section of proposed undercroft parking and the need for works close to cliffs.

The application is open for public comment on the Cornwall Council website, with the final decision to be made by the council.