Bournemouth hotel 'running at a loss' and may become flats

The Durley Chine Hotel, formerly known as the Croham Hurst Hotel in Durley Road South, has “has run at a loss and struggled for occupancy”, a report by solicitors Sturt and Co said. 

As a result, Bournemouth-based developer HB Properties and Lettings (HBPL) is now looking to replace the aging building with a five-storey block of 42 flats. 

Matthew Holmes, of HBPL’s agent Spruce Town Planning, said: “Competition from new hotels in the town centre has been a particular issue in recent years.  

Drawing of the proposed block of flats. (Image: Arc Architecture)

“The hotel has not been able to compete with the modern, new hotel buildings that have been constructed in the town centre such as the Hilton in Terrace Road and Premier Inn in Poole Road.  

“The trading challenges facing the hotel prior to its closure were common to other, similar hotels in the town, and numerous of the other hotels close by that have already been redeveloped faced similar challenges.” 

The report highlighted several factors for the business’ struggles, chiefly competition from discounted chain hotels, fewer coach parties of old people and the “changing nature of hotels”. 

Mr Holmes added: “Realistically, it is considered that the changing tourism market in the town together with the competition posed by new and larger hotels leaves the hotel unable to compete.  

“The report from Sturt and Co notes that a package of renovation and refurbishment of the level required would not be able to address some of the more fundamental shortcomings of the building and would cost so much as to be completely unviable. 

“It is therefore concluded that it not reasonable to consider that the hotel use should be maintained here.” 

Designers have proposed the replacement building would be “traditional” Victorian style, to fit in the West Cliff and Poole Hill Conservation Area. 

Bay windows, sliding sash-style windows and octagonal towers at the tow corners of the building all form part of exterior. 

Comprising the 42 flats would be one- and two-bedroom apartments with 20 parking spaces on the front outside. 

Winter Dene Hotel next door could be demolished too (Image: Daily Echo)

Mr Holmes added: “The proposals use land efficiently by creating additional homes in a highly accessible location.  

“The creation of new homes within the town centre will help to support town centre businesses and services.” 

Meanwhile, the Winter Dene Hotel next door is also under consideration by BCP Council to be demolished and replaced with 29 new flats.