UPDATE: Telford & Wrekin Council is taking immediate action by carrying out urgent repairs on the historic Royal Victoria Hotel in Newport, which has been closed for over a decade. The latest enforcement notice was issued just last week after the council’s contractors identified new issues during ongoing repair efforts.
The Grade II-listed hotel, located on St Mary’s Street, has been in a state of disrepair since it closed in 2013. Town Centre Properties (TCP) purchased the property in September 2015 with plans to convert it into 12 apartments. However, development stalled in 2020, largely due to planning challenges, asbestos issues, and the impacts of the Covid pandemic.
Since 2023, the council has intervened three times to fund and execute critical repairs after TCP’s owner, Roger Brock, repeatedly ignored legal notices. The council emphasizes that these actions are necessary to prevent further deterioration of this vital heritage site in Newport’s town center.
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, stated,
“Telford & Wrekin Council is having to take enforcement action once again to prevent further deterioration of this important heritage asset.”
She further indicated that the council would seek to recover all costs for the repairs from the owners through appropriate legal channels.
Despite Mr. Brock’s claims of being committed to a “thoughtful and high-quality restoration,” the local authority has accused TCP of neglecting the hotel, leading them to pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order. Councillor Healy confirmed,
“We will be seeking to recover all costs from the owners through legal channels.”
As the council’s contractors continue their work on-site, the immediate future of the Royal Victoria Hotel remains uncertain. The situation highlights a broader issue of preserving historic buildings amid development challenges.
Residents and heritage advocates are closely monitoring the council’s actions, eager for a resolution that will secure the future of this iconic establishment. The urgency of this matter underscores the council’s commitment to protecting Newport’s architectural heritage while navigating the complexities of property development and ownership.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
