£5m development to convert Wyreside Hall into luxury hotel gets go-ahead

Following a development costing approximately £5m the 19th century former country house near Lancaster will open offering a range of accommodation types across 39 bedrooms.

The unnamed owners, who will be independent hoteliers without links to any major chains, will be seeking to establish the hall as a function and wedding venue with bridal suites featuring in the finished design.

Under the plans the main hall, currently divided into flats, will be completely refurbished and a new extension to the building will house a function room, additional bedrooms and a leisure complex featuring a pool and gym.

Existing facilities including a tennis court, gardens and woodland pathways are also expected to be refurbished to ensure the final hotel is 5-star standard.

A car park and pavilion will also be added on site while current buildings on site, such as a Coach House, will also be transformed into dwellings for staff accommodation.

Significant investment

The development had come up against some local opposition to the plans but Preston-based developers Graham Anthony Associates said the building had suffered from a number of years of neglect and was in need of large investment to bring it back to its former glory.

"With the hard work and dedication of the planning and design team at Graham Anthony Associates, we are delighted to be involved with this exciting scheme here in the Wyre area. The rural economy and local community stands to gain the most from what will be a significant investment for the area protecting the hall for future generations and importantly offering public access which is currently not available."

Developers received majority vote in favour of the development on the nearly 9-acre site at a planning committee meeting at Wyre Council this month.