A new pavilion which would be part of the hotel

A complete overhaul of a grade-II listed hotel in Preston to bring it back into its original use has been tabled.

The Park Hotel in East Cliff overlooking Miller Park is seeing a multi-million pound scheme to restore it to its former glory.

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A 40-page document from Lancashire County Council outlines the major restoration work that’s needed to spruce it up.

Full plans for the hotel explain how Number 8 East Cliff is to be turned from offices into a spa, the Park Hotel back to its original use and a new pavilion built with a link to the hotel.

An existing office block is also to be demolished and replaced with a new six-storey office building adjoining the hotel.

The new office block proposed with the plans

The hotel, which was offices, is currently empty as are all the other offices. The car parks are currently used by county council staff.

A revamped Park Hotel will have 69 bedrooms and include a dining room for up to 200 guests.

Funding for the revamp is coming from the county council’s pension fund, which is investing in the site.

Read more: New bridge to link up station and Avenham Park

Two of Preston’s main architect firms are behind the plans.

Cassidy + Ashton project architect Chris Taylor said: “We’ve worked with all parties to fine tune the detailed designs and ensure the scheme fits with the city’s needs and the demands of visitors and those with commercial interests.

“The development is right on our doorstep and in a conservation area, so not without its challenges, but it’s set to create a new tourism asset for the city that will support jobs and the wider economy and enhance Preston’s reputation as a great place to visit and do business.”

Frank Whittle Partnership are also helping pull together the proposals for the hotel.

Managing partner David Robinson said: “The restoration of one of Preston’s most impressive and historic buildings is another sign of the strategic progress the city is making to boost its leisure and tourism offer.

“With the ambitious redevelopment of the Markets Quarter, the revitalisation of the Guild Hall entertainment complex, hotels being planned for the old Post Office building and the Guild Tower, we are seeing Preston significantly up its game.

“This collaboration between Preston’s biggest multi-disciplinary architecture and surveying companies is working very well and brings a huge amount of expertise to the project.”

A quick history of the Park Hotel

Park Hotel is due to be restored to the nature its name suggests Pic: Tony Worrall

Opening in 1882 – a Guild Year – the hotel cost £40,000 to build.

It was owned and operated jointly by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and London and North Western Railway.

What do you think of the proposals for the Park Hotel? Let us know in the comments below