Hotel dream can still be saved from ash
The Belleisle House Hotel dream was back in business last May – but on a smaller scale.
The Ayr mansion was supposed to be transformed into an elite five- star resort but will now become a boutique hotel if the owner gets his parking spaces.
The dramatic change in direction comes seven years after developer John Campbell first bought the premises and vowed to carry out a £ 5 million makeover.
The latest vision for the hotel was 50 beds, smaller spa, and 250 people function room.
The Auchinleck entrepreneur met with council bosses to discuss resubmitting a new plan for the listed building.
At the time, Mr Campbell said: “It is unfortunate that we couldn’t get the original development through planning. We are going to downsize but will add to it in future.”
And the plans were welcomed by the town centre’s community council.
Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council chairman Norman McLean said: “John Campbell wants to come forward with a boutique hotel, which is marvellous news. It is a step in the right direction because it is on a smaller scale and will not have the same planning hurdles and will be much simpler. “
The development was also welcomed at Alloway and Doonfoot Community Council.
Chairwoman Mariyln Dalgleish said: “I would like to think it will move quickly.”
Mr Campbell has poured £ 1.3 million into saving the grand house and making it watertight. Since the initial repair work the building has been derelict while Mr Campbell and South Ayrshire Council disagreed over parking. The rest of Belleisle Park has enjoyed a boost in visitors thanks to a new playpark and golf clubhouse. And an old stable block is being converted into a cafe and visitor hub.
• Mr Campbell has already pulled off a hotel transformation project .
He refurbished the 300- year- old Dumfries Arms Hotel in Cumnock and turned it into a good business.