THE OWNER of Droitwich’s Raven Hotel has moved to reassure residents he is planning a ‘sympathetic renovation’ to return the Grade II listed building to its former glory.
Rod Spollon, managing director of Greyfort Properties, confirmed plans were still in place for the restoration of the 17th Century building on St Andrew’s Street after planning permission was granted by Wychavon District Council in 2015.
There are also plans for the modern extension at the back of the property to be replaced with 51 ‘attractive and spacious’ properties.
After purchasing The Raven Hotel in 2012, along with the Chateau Impney Hotel, Greyfort Group, a family-run private company, said it ‘wished to see a prosperous Droitwich for its residents and businesses alike.’
The company invested in the Chateau Impney which now has in excess of 100 staff members but said: “The Raven Hotel required a lot of work and at that time there wasn’t a demand for two hotels with conferencing and banqueting facilities of that size.”
Residents have expressed their concerns over the future of the hotel with the Facebook campaign ‘Save the Raven Hotel’ garnering more than 900 members.
One person wrote: “As a family we shared some significant moments at this venue.
“I’ve grown up with this beautiful hotel in my town and will be so sad if it was to be taken from us.
“We’ve already lost so much of our heritage in Droitwich.”
Speaking to The Standard, Mr Spollon said: “I understand there is a local voice wanting to ensure the Raven Hotel is preserved and restored for the benefit of Droitwich and its community.
“I share those desires and concerns.
“We have a proactive relationship with Historic England and Wychavon District Council and have regular dialogue regarding the Raven Hotel.
“It is not in our interests to see the Grade II listed building fall into disrepair, we are planning a sympathetic renovation to return it to its former glory.”
Mr Spollon said over the last three years Greyfort Properties Ltd had invested hundreds of thousands in consultancy fees to ensure it could produce a development that would contribute to the town centre.
He added the company hoped to make significant progress on the historic coaching inn in the next six to 12 months.
Mr Spollon added: “In the interim we continue to spend thousands of pounds on security to try to make the site secure, this is to protect the building from vandalism and to deter trespassers who may injure themselves if they force entry.”
Confirming the plans, Phil Merrick, Wychavon District Council’s head of economy and communities, said: “As stated in the original planning application, it has always been the case that only the more modern parts of the Raven Hotel would be demolished and the listed building would be retained and refurbished for commercial use.
“This is an exciting project for Droitwich Spa and we continue to work with the owners to bring it forward as soon as is practically possible.”
