AMBITIOUS plans to build a new hotel and spa complex on Handnock Road in Monmouth are due to come under public scrutiny, for a second time, to update residents.

Developers Alchemy Hospitality Management Ltd propose to create an independent 60 bedroom hotel and ‘destination spa’, which they say: “would offer an unrivalled range of state-of-the-art wellness and relaxation experiences for hotel residents, day spa guests and members.”

The exhibition will take place at Shire Hall, Monmouth on Saturday, October 17 between 11am and 4pm, where the latest plans for the hotel and spa can be viewed and discussed with members of the project team.

Jan Kitcher, Managing Director of Alchemy Hospitality Ltd, said: “Since our first exhibition in February, we have been listening to what local residents and the Council have been telling us to make sure we develop a scheme that is right for the site and for Monmouth.

“The support we’ve received so far for a hotel and spa in the town has been extremely encouraging.

“Local people have commented on the lack of premium hotel accommodation in Monmouth, as well as the need to find a sustainable use for the disused Valley Enterprise Park site.”

The brownfield site on Hadnock Road was used for the manufacture and storage of packaging materials for over 20 years, until its closure in 2007. Since then, the site has been largely redundant and in decline and the developers consider that it has no realistic prospect of attracting tenants.   

After the public exhibition, the display boards and plans will be on display at the Shire Hall from Monday October 19 until Saturday October 24, during normal opening times.

A statement on the company’s website says: “We are aiming to submit the application in November 2015. If our ‘outline’ application is approved, we will then submit a ‘reserved matters’ application, setting out the detailed design for the hotel, spa and mixed use facilities. If successful, we hope to start construction in autumn 2016, with a view to opening the hotel and spa for business in spring 2018.”

A Hadnock Road resident, who did not wish to be named, told the Review: “I think this can only be a good thing, as long as their plans are kept realistic.

“Some have said that it may bring congestion to Hadnock Road, but, in reality, there would probably be more traffic if the old industrial estate was back in use. It will also look a lot nicer that the disused wasteland that the site has become.”

More details can be found on the project website: www.hotelandspaonthewye.org.