Weymouth’s Riviera Hotel Weymouth may be closed for a year

It is believed the iconic hotel may be closed for at least a year.

The Riviera Hotel, in Bowleaze Cove, is a Grade II-listed art decor hotel which enjoys sweeping views across Weymouth Bay, built in 1937. 

However residents have raised concerns about its future after the fencing was spotted over the past few weeks - sparking new calls to preserve the building.

Back in March, The Riviera Hotel was placed on a list of the UK's most 'at risk' venues which are likely to be in 'decline and neglect'.

Compiled by the Twentieth Century Society, the list highlighted the top 10 buildings in the country most at risk of demolition, redevelopment or neglect in 2023 - and how people can help save them.

The future of the Weymouth venue hit the headlines in 2021 after estate agency Rolfe East took it off the market due to difficulty selling properties amid the pandemic.

It had been up for sale for an eye-watering £5.5million and became a listed building in January 1997.

The 98-bedroom Riviera Hotel has had several owners over the years, including holiday camp owner Fred Pontin and Saudi Arabian investors.

One resident who lives near the venue, and who did not wish to be named, spotted the temporary fencing being erected outside the 'beautiful hotel' at the end of July.

THERE are fresh calls to protect an 'iconic' Weymouth hotel after temporary fencing was erected outside the venue. (Image: Supplied)

"I chatted to the people who were putting up the fencing and warning signs but they don’t know what's happening," he said.

A spokesman for the Twentieth Century Society said The Riviera Hotel 'attracted a lot of attention' when it put the venue on its annual Risk List.

"It’s such a stunning building and the potential is so apparent, so it’s current state is really tragic," the group added.

"The summer may have been a washout so far, but The Riviera Hotel is a glorious survivor from a golden age of holidaymaking.

"The society is urging the hotels owners to present a proper vision for reviving the building, to reverse the decline before it becomes terminal."

The Weymouth Civic Society said that it has 'not been involved' with the hotel for some time but did write a letter to Dorset Council in September last year to 'alert' the local authority to the building's state.

"We wrote to the council to express our concerns as it has evidently had many problems," it added.

"We would be very concerned about any further deterioration."

Planning records show that the most recent planning application for works at the hotel were submitted last year and later approved by the council to fix the roof following storm damage.

The hotel was used as place to house homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is not clear whether the fencing has been erected at The Riviera Hotel due to works taking place or for other reasons. 

However internet searches to book rooms at the venue do not let would-be holidaymakers choose their selected dates.

THERE are fresh calls to protect an 'iconic' Weymouth hotel after temporary fencing was erected outside the venue. (Image: Supplied)

Ward councillor Louie O'Leary, a Conservative councillor for Preston and Littlemoor on Dorset Council, described his concern over the temporary fencing.

"It is concerning to see an iconic building within Weymouth in that state," he said. "I just hope it is a temporary thing and perhaps the beginning of a turnaround.

"I was aware there were people interested in buying it but not for the asking price. Hopefully there will be a solution eventually and a buyer will take it on and give it some much-needed TLC."

A Historic England spokesperson said: "The Grade-II listed Riviera Hotel is a great building, and its deterioration is concerning.

"It’s a striking local landmark and with sensitive conservation it could still have much to offer Weymouth.”

Some residents have reported that the Home Office plans to house asylum seekers in the Riviera Hotel, but Dorset Council said it has 'not been made aware' of any such plans.

A Home Office spokesperson said that it does not comment on the use of specific hotels due to 'security reasons'.

They added that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is 'unacceptable' due to the cost to the taxpayer.

The hotel and Rolfe East Estate Agency have been contacted by the Dorset Echo for comment.