Work to convert Bristol's Guildhall into a luxury hotel has begun, nearly a decade after plans to transform the 62,000-square-foot historic structure were first put forward. Restoration of the site, which dates back to the 13th century when it was built for a Guild of Merchants, was hampered when a fire damaged the building in March 2020.
A staff member at the adjoining solicitor's office confirmed to Bristol Live that a marked increase in activity on the site had been ongoing for around a fortnight, with construction workers' skips and fencing signalling that the long-delayed project is now finally commencing.
Initially, the plans to convert the building into a hotel were recommended for approval by council officers in 2013 after the building was sold to property developer The Trevor Osborne Property Group, and the proposal was put back on the table at the end of 2021. The property group, based in Bath, specialises in transforming historic properties into upscale hotels.
Read More: Pictures: Aerial images show extent of fire damage to Bristol's Guildhall
The Trevor Osborne Property Group's website says it plans to restore the building into "a circa 90 room five star hotel with substantial public areas, dining rooms, bars, function rooms and an extensive spa" with "a swimming pool to be located on the roof of the building".
Although traces of the original medieval structure remain, the current gothic revival style building was reconstructed in the 19th century. For a long time, the Guildhall was used as the city's crown court, and the basement was a prison. In 2020 a blaze caused significant damage to the roof, with a team of 50 firefighters tackling it by pumping water from the harbour to put out the flames.
In 2013 when plans were first submitted, Trevor Osborne, chairman of TOPG, said to Insider Media Ltd: "The architecture of the Old City will once again be appreciated, and the new hotel will bring life and activity to this location, increasing footfall and economic activity to the benefit of existing traders and residents.
"This will be a high-quality hotel under high-quality management, representing a step change in the fortunes of Broad Street. I am delighted to say that the parties that we have consulted in relation to the project have welcomed our involvement and share our excitement for the future of these important buildings."
When complete, this won't be the only historic boutique hotel on Broad street. The Clayton Hotel, with its colourful tiled Art Noveau facade, opened its doors in April 2022. A few doors down, work is also underway by Young's to transform Hort's into a 19-room hotel, pub and restaurant.
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