Plans have been unveiled to convert a historic former department store in Tenby, which operated for more than a century, into a luxurious spa hotel and restaurant. The proposal, put forward by Wil Crockford of Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd with the assistance of Gerald Blain Associates Limited, aims to transform the former TP Hughes department store on High Street into a 17-room spa hotel, complete with a restaurant and cafe/bar, along with necessary extensions and alterations.
Situated within the Grade-I-listed medieval town walls of Tenby, the location holds significance as a scheduled ancient monument. The site, most recently occupied by clothing retailer M&Co before its closure was announced last year, stands adjacent to three listed buildings and within the town’s conservation area. It is notable for its two buildings flanking St Nicholas’s Lane, featuring retail frontages on Upper Frog Street and High Street, joined by an Edwardian bridge across St Nicholas’s Lane.
The plans involve preserving and restoring existing architectural elements such as sash windows, the bridge, and former shop frontages, while incorporating modern enhancements such as solar panels, heating, and air conditioning systems for improved energy efficiency. The proposed conversion intends to create a sophisticated hospitality venue within the historic premises, offering an attractive destination for visitors to the picturesque town of Tenby.
In a statement submitted through Gerald Blain Associates Limited, the proposed development outlines the interior remodelling to accommodate the hotel rooms, dining facilities, and spa amenities. The design also includes the restoration of distinctive features like the stained-glass windows and metal railings on the bridge, emphasising the integration of heritage preservation with contemporary comfort and sustainability measures.
The change of use application is supported by the evolving retail landscape of the high street, with recent closures indicating a shift in commercial activity in the area. While initial considerations explored the potential for retail spaces on the ground floor, the viability of such an arrangement was subsequently deemed unfeasible, leading to the current bespoke proposal for a boutique spa hotel that pays homage to the building’s storied history.
Park planners are set to review the proposed scheme in the near future, presenting an opportunity to evaluate the envisioned transformation of the iconic Tenby site. The project represents a significant redevelopment initiative that seeks to revitalise a cherished local landmark, offering a blend of heritage conservation and contemporary hospitality services in the heart of the charming coastal town.