Bid to give Grange a new lease of life

Aug 27 2008 by David Rutland, Rhyl Visitor

NO decision has been made on the future of Rhyl’s once famous Grange Hotel almost six months after the building was gutted by fire.

12 fire engines and 80 firefighters attended the blaze on West Parade in March and a 45-year-old man was hospitalised.

It is believed that homeless people had been staying in the derelict building and that candles were responsible for fire to the soft furnishings.

Police had previously warned West Midlands-based owner Surinda Malhi, that the hotel was dangerous.

Next month will mark six months since the conflagration and it is still not known whether the historic site will be restored rebuilt or demolished. Insurance loss adjusters finished their inspections in May and the architects were expected to draw up a list of options for the building in June. Currently, the council is waiting for an assessment of the site from the owners’ agents.

Cllr Diana Hannam in whose ward, the hotel’s carcass lies is upset that nothing has yet been done.

“I’m very disappointed with the delay and many other people will be concerned,” she said.

“I hope that the council and the planning authority can get the owner to take action.

“Many hope it will be restored to its former glory.”

The Grange was built as a pair of private villas, known as Morannedd and Boddonnanin the 1840s, and later provided a home away from home for holidaymakers travelling to Rhyl.

But declining visitor numbers meant the once popular establishment lost money and the current owner, Surinda Malhi, had to lay off staff and close the doors last year.

It is believed that when the hotel was purchased, it needed £750,000 spending on it just to renovate the exterior.

A grant was applied for but refused.