One of Dundee’s most popular hotels is planning a major new extension that will create space for 24 new bedrooms in anticipation of a boom in visitor numbers.
The Best Western Invercarse Hotel has lodged a planning application for the extension with Dundee City Council in response to Dundee’s growing reputation as a tourist destination.
Hotel manager Nathan Dundas said the hotel is already experiencing an increase in visitor numbers and expects this to continue as the waterfront redevelopment — including construction of the V&A — progresses.
If planning consent is granted, the development would increase capacity at the 44-bedroom hotel by more than 50%.
He said: “It is in anticipation of Dundee picking up with the waterfront redevelopment going on.
“The Woodlands Hotel, which is also owned by Redwood Leisure, has recently had an extension that has been incredibly successful so now we are getting one.”
Mr Dundas added the Invercarse has already seen an upsurge in business since the waterfront redevelopment began.
Designed by Dundee firm Arktx Chartered Architects, the two-store building will be created at the rear of the current hotel building.
The extension will be constructed from reconstituted stone and will feature a staircase to the north elevation encased in a glass block.
This is intended to create a “lantern” effect in the evening and lead the way to the entrance to the hotel’s ballroom when dark.
The plans, if approved, will also see the current car park at the hotel increased in size.
Redwood Leisure hopes to being work on the extension by the end of the year.
Arctx’s proposal states: “It is considered that the proposed hotel extension will provide an excellent standard of accommodation to an already successful and recognised venue within the city.
“The massing and scale of the proposed building is in keeping with the nature and character of the surrounding context and the materials proposed are appropriate to the area.
“The principle and developed design of the extension are in accordance with the polices of the Dundee Local Development Plan.”
A number of new hotels are already in development or planned for Dundee.
The new Hampton by Hilton is nearing completion while a Sleeperz hotel is being constructed as part of the redevelopment of Dundee railway station.
There are also plans for new hotels in the Waterfront to complement existing premise, such as The Malmaison.
Apex Hotels also intends to transform Custom House into a boutique hotel alongside its current premises on City Quay,.
