Repairs completed on historic Alnwick hotel after major work due to storm damage

The White Swan Hotel on Bondgate Within had been cloaked in scaffolding for 18 months.

Craig Martin, general manager at the White Swan, said: “A significant piece of the hotel balcony became disconnected from the structure of the building at the end of 2018 following a very bad storm.

“An in-depth safety review and assessment established that the entire balcony structure was at risk and the area by the arch was unstable.

“While we were able to protect the structure with scaffolding in the short term, it was clear that a more permanent repair was needed.

“The vital repairs have now been completed, despite the ongoing lockdown, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as the hotel re-opens.”

Hotel owners Classic Lodges have thanked local residents for their help and patience whilst this complex work was undertaken.

Planning permission for the repairs was granted last autumn but held up for several months before it got the all-clear to proceed.

It was described as ‘an eyesore’ by town councillor Peter Broom.

Work started on February 18 and was expected to take eight weeks but was held up by the coronavirus outbreak. Work resumed in mid-May.

The repairs have now been completed to comply with the necessary historical and conservation requirements demanded of the 300-year old former coaching inn.

Coun Gordon Castle, member for Alnwick on Northumberland County Council, said: “Alnwick residents will be delighted that at long last the scaffolding on our main street in front of this fine listed building is gone.

“It has been a long planning saga that I got heavily involved in last year but to the credit of Classic Lodges and the contractor they have seen it through and the resulting facade is excellent, with first class stonework on the new matching balcony.

“It will have cost a great deal to pin it in place, but at least we have something to smile about in town during lockdown.”

The White Swan is famous for its Olympic Suite, decorated with original fittings and artwork from the RMS Olympic, the sister vessel to the RMS Titanic.

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