A major transformation is on the cards for the stalled Hayle North Quay regeneration project in Cornwall, with plans for a 40-bedroom aparthotel being scrapped in favour of a 100-bedroom traditional hotel operated by a globally recognised four-star brand.
A Game-Changing Upgrade for the Waterfront
Adam Gaymer, director of development firm Arpenteur, confirmed the significant shift during a site visit. He revealed that the aparthotel, originally planned for behind Gilbert's restaurant, will now be replaced by a larger, branded hotel situated behind the Fisherman's Wharf area. "This is the biggest change," Gaymer stated. "We are looking to move and improve the hotel offer."
While the hotel chain's name remains confidential, Gaymer emphasised it would not be a budget operator like Travelodge or Premier Inn, but a renowned international four-star brand. He described the news as "fantastic for Hayle and for Cornwall."
The new structure will not increase the site's footprint or height, utilising the existing planning permission boundaries. It will be no larger than the apartment block previously earmarked for the plot behind the fishing boats, ensuring it blends with the scale of the area.
Economic Boost and Project Resurrection
The economic impact is projected to be substantial. Once operational, the hotel is expected to create around 30 permanent jobs and attract an estimated 30,000 overnight guests annually. Crucially, Arpenteur calculates that for every pound spent by guests at the traditional hotel, 40 pence will circulate within the local economy, benefiting shops, pubs, restaurants, and activity providers.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the wider North Quay scheme, which collapsed into administration in January 2024 under previous owner Simon Wright, leaving half-finished buildings and debts rumoured to reach £132 million. Administrators Moorfields Advisory brought Arpenteur on board to salvage the project.
Now rebranded as Hayle North Quay, the full development aims to deliver 520 private and affordable homes, alongside shops, restaurants, offices, and commercial spaces by 2030. Arpenteur is set to submit seven amended planning applications in the coming months, with final designs due in 2026 and construction on the hotel and new homes expected to start in February or March 2027.
Refined Plans and Community Benefits
Gaymer explained that Wright's original plans were not financially viable, necessitating modifications to prevent the site from lying dormant for years. "We are going back to Cornwall Council to improve the scheme. We believe these changes will be positive," he said.
Key adjustments include:
- Scrapping a planned car park at 'The Hilltop' and creating a new 100-space car park at Chieftain's Yard for better town centre access.
- Reducing the number of commercial units on the waterfront to avoid creating a retail hub that could detract from Hayle's high street.
- Altering 'The Hilltop' zone from 31 executive homes to 43 three-to-four-bedroom family homes, with a 25% reduction in built area for improved living space and landscaping.
The hotel will feature a bar and restaurant but will not displace the popular Gilbert's or the Escape to the Sauna business. Furthermore, a heritage levy on the hotel, apartments, and businesses could generate approximately £200,000 per year for the maintenance and dredging of Hayle Harbour.
A public consultation event is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at the Hayle Day Care Centre on Commercial Road, from 10am to 2pm.
