UPDATED plans to bring a disused Millbrook hotel back to life have been unveiled – after post-Covid delays and rising construction costs put paid to the first iteration of the scheme.
In 2021, local gallery owner Lance Trevellyan proposed a major transformation of the former Millbrook House Hotel into a five-star art-themed establishment, spa and cookery school.
Despite getting permission that year, Mr Trevellyan – who bought the Jersey War Tunnels in March – was forced to put his plans on hold, after post-Covid delays and increases in local construction costs rendered the previous scheme financially unviable.
But instead of abandoning efforts to introduce “a new £29 million, five-star hotel” to the Island, a revised application has now been sent to Planning.
News of the updated scheme’s submission comes not long after Environment Minister Steve Luce told a scrutiny panel that he was “very conscious” of the Island’s declining number of tourist beds and expressed a desire to see new hotels developed “where possible”.
The new application, made by Mr Trevellyan’s CCA Galleries, includes removing and replacing an outdated 1970s tourism accommodation extension and building waterside cabins, a converted stable wing, and suites within the refurbished original villa and its gatehouse.
The replacement for the outdated 1970’s block will present guests with a choice of serviced accommodation, one- or two-bedroom guest units with modest catering facilities and a range of individual suites.
All guests would have access to the hotel’s restaurant, private dining and café offerings as well as cultural, wedding and wellness facilities. Self-catering units will also be available.
In a statement, CCA Galleries said that the new units proposed would contribute “to the flexible option of tourism accommodation much needed in Jersey”.
“The Millbrook House Art Hotel proposals balance sensitive restoration of the site’s historic buildings with bespoke, sustainable new accommodation and wellness facilities for guests,” the statement added.
“The most significant change is the removal of the 1970’s wing adjoining the original villa and the addition of accommodation options thoughtfully integrated around the hotel grounds.
“The restoration of the original grounds has also been given careful consideration providing protection and enhancement through a comprehensive landscaping scheme.”
