PLANS to demolish a decades old hotel and build a luxury apartment block in its stead have been lodged by Harry Redknapp’s property development company.

Pierfront Developments wish to build an art deco block of 59 apartments with a residents’ gym and cinema to replace the long-standing Elstead Hotel in Knyveton Road, Bournemouth.

An employee of the 50-room 1930’s hotel has described the plans as “extremely sad”, while developers say their proposal has been designed “with elegance in mind” and would give a “much-needed boost to housing land supply”.

If approved, the five-storey building will be named ‘The Elstead’ in a nod to the hotel and would be comprised of 21 one-bedroom and 38 two-bedroom homes.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of proposed design for 59 apartments at the current Elstead Hotel in BournemouthCGI of proposed design for 59 apartments at the current Elstead Hotel in Bournemouth (Image: Dot Architecture)

A total of 30 parking spaces are proposed along with storage provision for 96 bicycles.

In their planning statement, planners Chapman Lily said: “The scheme has been carefully conceived to maintain a good relationship with neighbouring properties and achieve a positive assimilation into the street scene. [It is] very high quality and adopts a strong art deco design concept.”

They also described the current hotel building as “far from good quality” and that, despite some survival of elements of an earlier building, is not of architectural or historic significance.

The development, if given the green light, would result in the loss of 45 members of hotel staff – more than half of whom are full time.

Bournemouth Echo: Elstead Hotel in BournemouthElstead Hotel in Bournemouth (Image: Forum Heritage Services)

One hotel employee told the Echo: “[This is] extremely sad for independent hotels which can now be counted on the fingers of one hand in Bournemouth.

“[It is] a great shame this very old building is not listed and of course the countless jobs to be lost.”

Several residents too voiced opinions on BCP Council’s online planning portal, with praise being lobbied at the design plan but criticism centred on parking and loss of the hotel.

One said said: “Whilst I like the design of the proposed development, which has a nice retro look that I think would be a nice fit with this area, my objection concerns inadequate parking spaces.

Bournemouth Echo: Pierfront Developments directors Harry and Sandra RedknappPierfront Developments directors Harry and Sandra Redknapp

“12 underground spaces and 18 parking bays outside is nowhere near enough for a block of 59 flats.”

Another resident agreed that the building “would uplift the appearance of the area”, but added: “With the ongoing likelihood of ‘staycations’, this well located family hotel could be successful with the appropriate investment.”

Pierfront Developments, founded by former AFC Bournemouth manager and current media personality Harry Redknapp and his wife Sandra, have been approached to comment.