Historic hotel set to become student housing

The Dolphin Hotel has provided accommodation for asylum seekers most recently

A Grade II listed hotel, said to have welcomed Jane Austen, Queen Victoria and Admiral Lord Nelson, could be converted into student accommodation.

The Dolphin Hotel is believed to be Southampton’s oldest hotel, dating back more than 500 years.

Most recently the building has been used by the Home Office to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers but that is set to come to an end next month.

Dolphin Hotel Property Ltd has submitted an application for a “change of use” at the site.

A letter, submitted on behalf of the applicant by Savills, said: “The contract with the Home Office is due to end in May 2024 and unfortunately, local market indicators are that the demand for and occupancy of the hotel will remain low if it were to return to hotel use.”

The plans would see all of the 99 hotel rooms used as student bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms.

The existing communal facilities, including a large dining hall, lounge, kitchen, function rooms and recreation space, would be available for the students.

The application said the proposal would “enable a long-term viable use of this important and prominent building”.

A heritage statement said student accommodation was considered “the most suitable alternative” due to the minimal changes required to the listed building.

“The proposed conversion of the listed building to student accommodation will provide the opportunity for the Dolphin Hotel to be revitalised as a key historic building within the city centre, and for its unique heritage and historic hotel use to be celebrated as part of the scheme,” it said.

The application was being considered by Southampton City Council's planning department.