Burned beams to feature in rebuild of oldest hotel

The original hotel dated back to 1769 was believed to be the first venue in England to call itself a hotel

Fire-damaged beams from one of England's oldest hotels will feature in a new apartment complex on the same site, if developers get the go-ahead.

Some of the burnt timbers from a fire that gutted the Royal Clarence Hotel on Exeter's Cathedral Green in October 2016, will be kept as a "visible, poignant connection" between old and new, according to a fresh planning application with alterations.

The original building, which dated back to 1769, was believed to be the first venue in England to call itself a hotel, according to historian Dr Todd Gray.

Max Sayers from developers NooKo, said they wanted to "retain the drama and feel of the original building" while using modern construction methods.

The scheme for more than 20 new apartments, most with views across the green to the cathedral, was approved in October 2022.

A redesigned internal staircase, as well as a light well, will illuminate the preserved timbers.

There will also be some commercial units including high-end food and drink outlets.

The hotel's facade will be rebuilt and finished in white render to match what was there before the fire, while the apartments will be clad in aluminium

A two-year rebuild will transform the site into what the owners say will be a new building that blends historic charm with modern features.

The Grade II-listed hotel's facade will be rebuilt and finished in white render to match what was there before the fire, architectural drawings show.

The building's distinctive chimney will be reinstated but not used, while the details of the facade will also be recreated, including the cornice, royal crest and signage.

The new apartments have aluminium cladding and will reach above the level of the existing buildings.

'Historical importance'

Mr Sayers said he was "humbled by the opportunity to bring this pivotal building back to life".

He added: "The Royal Clarence project is incredibly significant to us.

"As locals from Exeter, we understand its historical importance and are committed to restoring it as a landmark the city can be proud of."

NooKo is the third company to own the shell of the Royal Clarence since the fire.

A decision on the latest planning application is due in November.