Works to transform the Robin Hood Hotel, Newark, into a Travelodge are set to begin on Monday
Work to transform the former Robin Hood Hotel, Newark, will finally begin on Monday.
It will start with the conservation of the Grade II listed building on the corner of Lombard Street that has lain derelict for 20 years.
The three derelict townhouses that form the listed part are to be preserved while retail units and a Travelodge with 66 rooms are to be added to the rear and above.
The retail units have the potential to be let as a gym, café and restaurant.
The first phase of the scheme is set to conclude in February, and includes scaffolding to secure the historic building. Later phases will be completed by summer 2020.
The £6.6m construction is led by the joint venture company RHH Newark Ltd — set up by Newark and Sherwood District Council — and the owner of the buildings MF Strawson, who have been strongly criticised in the past over their inactivity on the site.
Both contributed £3.3m each, two thirds of which will be returned to each on completion, once the Travelodge element is sold to investors.
Each will also retain a share of the leisure units and the council is projected to receive a full return on its investment.
The Lindum Group, contractors of the project, said it is delighted to start work on the landmark building.
Lindum contracts manager Craig Houston, said: “There is a clear passion among the people of the town who want to see this site restored and we look forward to bringing it back into use after so many years.
“There has been a lot of hard work already just to get to the stage where we can begin on site and I have no doubt it will continue to be an interesting and challenging project as it progresses.”
Up to 70 jobs will be created and it is said the development represents a boost to the local economy and town centre footfall.
“We have just sent off the discharge of conditions, setting out what we needed to cover before works could start,” said Oliver Scott, the council’s senior conservation officer.
“We want to preserve the building and its history because it is Grade II listed.
“Historic England are strongly opposed the demolition of the building after attempts were made to do so.”
The back of the building, which is not listed, will be fully demolished.
Mr Scott said: “The building has majorly gone downhill and engineers have said it is unsafe to go into the property.”
The two-way traffic system on Lombard Street will be maintained. Vehicles will travel in the eastbound lane, restricted to one lane, until January.
The street is scheduled to be closed for one day only during the construction phase.
Council leader David Lloyd said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing the transformation of this part of Newark and the preservation work that will also take place on this site during this important development project.
“We appreciate in the short-term there will be some inconvenience to motorists but this is far outweighed by the long term prospects of this new development.”
The fate of the Robin Hood has polarised Newark, with many saying the eyesore should be bulldozed while the purists say it should be preserved and the owners held to account.
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