Repairs ongoing at Riviera Hotel in Weymouth say staff

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

Fencing went up around the site more than a year ago, and the hotel stopped accepting bookings, sparking questions about its future.

The fence outside the hotel (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

A member of staff at the site has told the Echo that work is still going on at the site, most recently repairs to the roof ahead of a refurbishment - though no timeline has been given as to when it might re-open.

The former operations supervisor - who is currently working as site security - refused to give his name.

He said: "Work is still going on. I don't have a timeline, but it has not been abandoned.

"There are people on site every day, whether it is builders or security.

"The roof is being done now then all the rooms will be refurbished, because it is a listed building, there are some hoops you have to go through."

The hotel, which became a listed building in 1997, was used by authorities to house homeless people during the pandemic.

It suffered a major blow in February 2022 when the ballroom roof collapsed after damage caused by Storm Eunice.

The following year the 98-bedroom hotel was put on a list of 'most threatened buildings in the country of demolition, redevelopment or neglect' by the Twentieth Century Society.

The Riviera Hotel (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Dorset Councillor Louie O'Leary welcomes the news that work is still ongoing at the hotel, having expressed concern when the fencing went up last year.

His nan and aunties used to work as cleaners at the hotel.

He said: "It is an iconic listed building to Weymouth. It has always been part of the skyline.

"It means a lot to the local people, it is very good news that work is ongoing, and I just hope it continues and it is ready for the season (next year).

"I think it will be a great to have it back. It looks a bit worse for wear lately so it would be great to see it back to its former glory."

The future of the Weymouth venue made 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 £5.5 million.

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

In July of this year, several youths gained entry to the grounds, sparking a police warning not to enter the site.

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said at the time: "Officers would like to remind the public that this site is not safe to enter and anyone who does will put themselves in danger."