Landmark hotel aims for rebirth

The Royal Hotel was the first building to be built in Clacton

The man behind the renovation of The Royal Hotel in Clacton hopes it will re-open by the middle of summer 2010.

Refurbishment work on the iconic venue is currently two-thirds complete, but a shortfall in finances has forced the project to be temporarily halted.

Owner Michael Chittenden is aiming to restart work on the five-star hotel by the end of the year and be open for business by June or July 2010.

The hotel will have 23 rooms as well as a number of private apartments.

Built in 1872 by the man behind the town's pier, Peter Bruff, the Royal Hotel was the first building to be constructed in the new seaside resort.

In pictures: Royal Hotel makeover

In its heyday it was one of the jewels in Clacton's crown, and was used by some of the great and good of London, and dignitaries such as Sir Winston Churchill.

However, in more recent times, its fortunes faded and has been closed for several years, falling into disrepair.

When Michael bought the building a few years ago, he planned to return it to its former glory, with each room having its own bespoke design.

The ballroom is one of the hotel's most impressive rooms

"Every week that goes past I've thought about different ideas and what I'd do with this room and that room," he said.

"I'm still deciding, but I've pretty much made my mind up."

The project has recently been featured on the Channel 4 programme, Ruth Watson's Hotel Rescue.

Michael admitted the troubles he has faced has sometimes made him question the wisdom of his dream.

"I have been hot and cold with it, up and down," he said.

"I haven't been here for a week, but having come back now I'm full of enthusiasm and I can just see what it's going to be and what it can be.

"We hope to get it finished by June or July next year - drinks and afternoon tea will be served at the Royal Hotel once again."