Dart Marina Hotel & Spa is undergoing an extensive renovation of its South Block which is set to be completed by March this year.
The £2.5 million project will see the 4* hotel treated to larger guest rooms and suites, a new entrance and new mechanical and electrical services fitted throughout.
Works began on site in October 2014 with main contractor Ease Development Services Ltd working alongside HLM Architects and designers Studio Duggan. The works involved the demolition of the entire inside space of the south block in order to begin the renovation works.
Four new suites were created on the ground floor, six on the first floor and six on the second floor. A two storey extension to the west elevation of the building was undertaken, existing window openings were filled in and new openings were created in order to form room entrances and balcony openings.
New mechanical and electrical services were installed as were partition walls and a full fit out of the new space was completed. As the hotel is remaining operational throughout the project the on site team are having to work within strict guidelines set by the hotel so as not to disturb the guests.
Paul Downing, General Manager of Dart Marina, commented:
“The continued investment into Dart Marina, not just the Hotel but the Marina, Spa, Restaurant and surrounding landscape and of course the Higher Ferry shows a huge commitment to the value of Dartmouth’s tourism sector by Dart Marina’s owner Richard Seton.
“This new programme of development came at a time when there was a buoyancy and optimism in the town against the backdrop of the Dartmouth BID. This stage of work will result in the most stunning rooms Dartmouth has to offer and it will take the Hotel onto a new level of style and luxury.”
The project will see each of the 16 new guest rooms, which boast views of the River Dart from large balconies, fitted with freestanding baths, wet rooms with drench showers, twin vanity areas, fine furnishings, coffee machines and fridges.
The project also involves an element of external landscaping including the creation of new beds and borders wrapping around the entrance to Dart Marina. The new landscaping, which has been carefully selected to reflect the colour palette of the tree lined River dart valley, will also join up the Hotel’s Terrace and The Riverside.
Paul continued:
“The initial stages of the main construction involved new floors, and a new roof to the whole of the south wing. Many of the new rooms are already being booked which is a massive show of confidence from our existing guests. The loyalty we have built up over the years is heartening and we have listened to every single guest suggestion from adding magnifying mirrors to bathrooms, to continuing to apply fresh milk in fridges every day.
“These little touches are very important to our existing guests, but we’ve also added a significant layer of luxury in the new rooms as we also appreciate the expectations of a new type of visitor to Dartmouth.”
