Ayrshire business tycoon Bill Costley has unveiled plans to enhance his dining offering at the Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon.
Mr Costley has submitted a planning application to South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission to build a new garden room extension at the five-star venue.
It is hoped that the addition of the 20m x 10m extension to the hotel will ‘strengthen’ the business as society begins to move away from the Covid-19 era.
If approved, the new dining experience could be ready as early as March or April next year.
In a supporting statement Elliott Architecture and Design Ltd, who are acting on Mr Costley’s behalf, said: “Lochgreen has gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest hotels with exceptional dining facilities.
“My client wishes to build on the success of Lochgreen and improve on the existing facilities for its customers.
“This planning proposal is for the construction of an unheated garden room extension which will provide residents and dining guests with the option of enjoying the feeling of being outside, whilst being protected from the weather.”
The statement also goes on to say that Covid-19 had been “impactful” on the hotel and dining industry to the extent that has resulted in guests' “reluctance” in being close to one another.
However, if given the green light, the new extension will help “mitigate” diners’ fears of social proximity to others.
The statement adds: “As well as improving facilities for guests, this proposal aims to strengthen the business during difficult times.”
The proposed extension will be located on the rear of the existing hotel with the main glazed wall of the garden room facing South West towards the sea.
It’s understood that the garden room extension would replace the existing Al fresco dining space, if approved.
Mr Costley said: “If approved, I would hope to start the work in January, so it could take maybe two or three months because everything can be manufactured off-site. It’s about enhancing the pre and post-dinner experience for the residents.
“I’m hoping it’ll go through relatively easily.”
Back in September, Ayrshire Live exclusively told you the news that Mr Costley had sold the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, in Alloway, to the Cumnock-based RAD Group.
We also told how the sale was part of a ‘streamlining’ of Mr Costley’s property portfolio empire and how his intention was to make Lochgreen one of the best hotels in Scotland.
One of Mr Costley’s other hotels, Highgrove House, also in Troon, is currently undergoing a refurbishment in terms of the bedrooms and front of house.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
