Covid shut hotel owners plan major redevelopment

Owner Rod Spollon says the investment would transform the historic site

The owners of a country hotel that has been closed since the pandemic have revealed plans for a multimillion-pound redevelopment, including 127 new homes on the wider estate.

Former hotel and events venue Chateau Impney, in Droitwich, has been shut for the past five years and the proposals would see it reopen as a hotel and restaurant.

Plans submitted by owner Greyfort Group to Wychavon District Council also include new parkland created on the 19th Century site, with a walking and cycling route.

Managing director Rod Spollon said he felt it was"the right solution for this very special venue".

Chateau Impney, built in the 1870s, was forced to close its doors in 2020, during the pandemic, and has remained closed ever since.

The plans include demolishing some obsolete buildings around the site, as well as the modern 1970s and 1980s extensions to Impney Hall to allow the original historic Grade II listed French-style structure to stand as it once was.

There would also be four new business units created on the estate, with parkland surrounding the hall as the main attraction.

Mr Spollon said: "We've got to remove those things that are not as attractive in terms of extensions and exhibition facilities, and strip them away.

"We want to give the hall space to breathe and introduce parkland around it - that's taking it closer to [first owner] John Corbett's original creation.

"It will be a grand setting, with picturesque parkland around it."

An artist's impression of how the site could look

People in Droitwich have broadly welcomed the idea - saying the loss of the attraction has been a real blow to the town.

Resident Susan Wakefield, 49, said: "I remember when it closed down, it was really sad for Droitwich.

"It sounds brilliant - this is what we need, somewhere nice where people can spend quality time."

David Butterfield, 78, said: "My wife used to work there back in the day, it was a lovely place to go and visit.

"I look forward to seeing it happen. Droitwich has already lost the Raven [hotel]. If we don't use these places we risk losing them."