A stylish and iconic building resembling an ocean going liner on the site of the former Falmouth Beach Hotel will be part of a proposed £25 million investment programme which would see over 70 new jobs created.

Nigel Carpenter, owner of the site and the neighbouring St Michael’s Hotel and Spa, has revealed his plans for the two sites, which will create a brand new resort.

This will feature a range of new facilities, including 51 ocean facing apartments, 30 new hotel suites and six woodland eco lodges along with three restaurants, a destination spa, new health club, local shops and much extended conference and wedding facilities.

Mr Carpenter said: “I am delighted at the support we have received for the project and the wonderful feedback from local stakeholders and residents. Falmouth is by far the most exciting, forward-looking town in Cornwall and one can almost feel the energy and positive approach of everyone in the community.

“This is a town which encourages creativity, vision and progress. We hope to develop an outstanding, premium-quality resort which will create many jobs for local people and bring a lot of business to the town.

“By creating a unique and iconic building which reflects Falmouth’s strong links with the sea, we shall encourage even more visitors to the town. Potentially winning a major architectural prize would really put Falmouth ‘on the map’ and prompt more high quality buildings in the area.”

He added, “A lot of effort has gone into tackling the issues of cars and car parking, whilst at the same time extending the wonderful sub-tropical gardens of St Michaels and those remaining of the old Falmouth Beach Hotel across the whole site. A two storey underground car park will be created at a cost of around £1.8 million beneath the main building of the site in order to accommodate 170 cars without them being seen.”

The main entrance to the new resort will be from Cliff Road which will significantly ease traffic congestion in Stracey Road, Gyllyngvase Hill and Gyllyngvase Beach.

Falmouth Packet:

“Our extensive market research into the tourism market has confirmed to us major changes in the accommodation sector,” said Mr Carpenter. “Demand for traditional two, three and four star hotels has fallen significantly whilst demand for budget or limited service, boutique, premium suites/apartments and spas has grown significantly. Over 25 per cent of the UK hotel market is now in the limited service sector with brands like Premier Inn.”

Consultations have already taken place with Cornwall planning officers, Falmouth Town Council, the local Cornwall Councillor, Falmouth Bay Residents’ Association, Falmouth and Penryn Conservation Group, Falmouth and District Hotels Association, Falmouth BID, Falmouth Town Forum, Falmouth Chamber of Commerce and the Falmouth Civic Society is next on the list.

“So far, the reaction has been extremely positive,” said Mr Carpenter. “We have also consulted and listened to local residents and incorporated their requests for a local general store selling provisions, newspapers and alike and a local bar to replace the old Mermaid Inn into the masterplan.”

The full planning application will be submitted to Cornwall Council later this month, and, if all goes to plan, first work is due to begin in January. “We hope to start with a number of the hotel and infrastructure improvements this coming winter with major works to follow in November 2015,” said Mr Carpenter.

Key points:

  • Creation of new access road from the beach and underground parking for 170 cars.
  • New reception and arrival lounge for the whole resort.
  • New conference and banqueting facilities for over 200 covers.
  • Upgrading of St Michaels Hotel & Spa to 85 bedrooms and suites.
  • New destination spa featuring seven treatment rooms, beauty salon, swimming pool with extensive relaxation areas and a new conservatory, large hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, experience rainforest showers, deep and light relax areas, spa café, spa gardens with outdoor Finnish sauna
  • Six new eco woodland lodges designed to sit amongst our mature trees with low impact and be linked to the spa garden.
  • A new health club featuring the revitalisation of the former Falmouth Beach Hotel pool and wet areas; two new gyms featuring cardio, resistance, functional training and free weights together with two new studios for classes.
  • Iconic 51 premium south facing apartments which will have full residential consent but be oriented towards leisure/holiday use with St Michaels providing a full management and letting service.
  • New premium restaurant and bar facing the sea as part of the new apartment complex.
  • Two new retail outlets focussed upon Cornish produce, including a deli and general stores selling high grade Cornish produce as well as everything from newspapers to Cornish ale.
  • Gardens and general landscaping following the style of St Michaels and Queen Mary Gardens, with flowing water cascading through the site.
  • The full planning application will be submitted to Cornwall Council later this month, with first works due to commence in January 2015 if all goes to plan

For further information visit www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk/developments.