AN HISTORIC hotel in the heart of Christchurch closed suddenly on October 12 with the loss of a dozen jobs while owners pursue an ambitious restoration and redevelopment scheme.

Directors of the Christchurch Hotels consortium, which bought the 200-year-old Kings Arms Hotel in Castle Street two years ago, say the closure is only a temporary measure while the premises are refurbished.

The company, whose portfolio also includes the Avonmouth and Pines hotels at Mudeford, is planning a major revamp of the Kings Arms to return the town's long-time top hotel to its former standard.

Plans to transform the Castle Street frontage to provide a brasserie bistro and upgrade the upper floor hotel accommodation were well received when floated to the Town Centre Forum in the summer.

The proposals also include demolition of the 1930s ballroom extension at the rear of the hotel and redevelopment of the adjoining car park with more than 20 mews-style homes.

And a formal planning application is expected shortly following lengthy talks between hotel bosses and town hall planners.

In a statement issued by the directors yesterday, Christchurch Hotels said the company's strategy and investment plans for the hotel were discussed with the council before the Kings Arms sale was completed.

The statement said: "For the Kings Arms, the company fought off fierce competition from would-be night club owners, supermarket chains and large residential developers and was the only bidder keen to retain the premises as a first class hotel.

"Regretfully, health and safety issues and the sheer magnitude of the financial losses at the Kings Arms means that the company can not support the position and it has been forced today to close the hotel.

"We hope the disclosure of our strategy and plans enables people to understand our intention which is to create two new bistros, three outstanding hotels, partly through significant historical restoration works, and to revive and create over 100 jobs in Christchurch.

"We continue to work closely with the council to turn their goodwill into positive action and expect works to commence on the main hotel building early next year."

The council's town centre portfolio holder, Cllr Mike Duckworth, said: "We are waiting for final plans to come in for this important town centre site.

"It is unfortunate the Kings Arms has to close but we are anxious for them to go ahead and create a first class hotel for the town."

First published: October 13