Demolition begins on Collingwood Hotel Ilfracombe
By Ilf_Peeps | Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 16:00
Locals gathered and gaped yesterday as demolition finally began on the historic Collingwood Hotel in Ilfracombe.
-
Demolition began on the old Collingwood Hotel in Ilfracombe yesterday.
-
Demolition began on the old Collingwood Hotel in Ilfracombe yesterday.
-
Demolition began on the old Collingwood Hotel in Ilfracombe yesterday.
Opinion was divided amongst the onlookers yesterday as some lamented the loss of the grand hotel, having fond memories of working there over the years as well as reminiscing about fun times spent at the legendary Eddy and Vaults bars. Others just expressed their relief that work has finally progressed on the building. One local told Ilfracombe People "There's no doubt the Collingwood was a spectacular hotel in its day, but it's been an eyesore and a blight on the landscape of the seafront for years now. I for one can't wait for Wetherspoons."
JD Wetherspoons acquired the property five years ago back in 2007 and speculation has been rife ever since as to if and when the chain would ever get round to renovating the site. The project has been plagued with problems from the outset, with a fire, the discovery of asbestos and a bat survey all causing hold-ups to the development.
It appears there is light at the end of the tunnel however, as construction of a new Wetherspoons pub and hotel is now planned to take place in the coming months and the business will be called The Admiral Collingwood in a tribute to the old hotel. An opening date has not yet been confirmed, but once work has begun the build is expected to take about nine months. Keep an eye on the Wetherspoons new openings page as well as Ilfracombe People for the latest information on the grand opening.
Comments
*monstrosity*
By skareggae72 at 21:17 on 17/01/12
ReportKnocking down buildings is not always the answer,as you never know what kind of `mostrosity` is going to replace the original.We have some beautiful buildings here although they are often quite rundown & need restoration.
@flutterby35,The old Chambercombe bakery site is where the lane to Chambercombe Manor begins,some old industrial buildings on the left
By skareggae72 at 21:16 on 17/01/12
ReportWhere is the Chambercombe Bakery? Is it the near to the Thatch? I heard Damien Hirst was going to do something with the old arcade site? Like a museum? A lot of questions! Agree with all the sites you mentioned Fred. ESPECIALLY the bus station. Sort it out!
By flutterby35 at 16:36 on 17/01/12
ReportI think supastar66 is right. - we do need to get cracking on the other derelict hotels in Ilfracombe. I have had a few ideas, but it would be great to hear everyone else's thoughts. Please don't be shy!
I am sure you are all aware, but the main sites are:-
The old Bus Station
The old Archade
The Berkeley
The Montebello
The Chambercombe Bakery
Not to mention some of the shops in the Hight Street too!
By Fred_Combe at 14:54 on 17/01/12
ReportThe only thing that should be lamented about the demolition of this hotel is that it didn't happen sooner!! Now please get cracking on all the other derelict hotel sites in combe!
By supastar66 at 10:49 on 17/01/12
Report