Seaside town dubbed ‘UK’s most beautiful’ set for major upgrade to historic town centre – including a new hotel and spa
HOLIDAY MAKEOVER
The town's hospitality industry dates back centuries
- Roisin Chapman, Lifestyle Reporter
A SCENIC seaside town in southwest Wales could see a significant boost as its historic centre is set for renovation.
Tenby's Town Hall is in the works to be transformed into a luxury hotel and spa.
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Described as the "jewel in the crown" of the "Welsh Riviera", Tenby is home to just 4,090 residents.
Located just over an hour drive from Swansea, it has established itself as a tourism hot spot, offering golden sand beaches and even a ghost tour.
In fact, Tenby was even named as one of the UK's Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in 2024.
Plans to convert Tenby's old town hall and a former department store into a luxury hotel, spa, and restaurant complex were approved in early April.
The project sets out to further enhance Tenby’s appeal as a top tourist destination, attracting visitors year-round while stimulating the local economy.
One of the two iconic buildings at the centre of the plans, the historic hall was first established as a Market Hall in 1829 before being remodelled in 1860 to serve as Tenby Town Hall.
Through preservation of the Grade II-listed structure's exterior, the development aims to introduce modern amenities while maintaining the town’s unique character.
Developers seek permission to partially convert the market hall and town hall building into a modern hotel, spa, and restaurant, hoping to breathe new life into these underutilised structures.
These proposed plans outline a 20-room hotel located across the two buildings, including two roof extensions.
The design also include a spacious ground-floor reception area, a gym, treatment rooms, and a café while a diner restaurant will provide a new culinary destination for both locals and tourists.
Local council has requested assurances that the market’s ground floor operations will be maintained, while a clear action plan for potential market hall refurbishments is also set to be implemented.
Tenby's history with hospitality dates back as early as the 18th century, when the rise in popularity of sea-bathing made it a tourism hot spot.
Elegant hotels and bathing houses were constructed in the area, with Georgian and early Victorian designs still dominating the town's architecture.
As well as the former town hall, other historic locations include Tenby Castle, Tudor Merchant's House, and St Mary's Church.
History buffs can learn out about the town's evolution at the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, which charges a £6 entry fee.
By Nicole Cherruault
A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind".
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: “Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today’s town centre remains open for business,” said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
“I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
“The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.”
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said “Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
“It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
“The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.”
Meanwhile tickets to the merchant house will set you back just £7, while the local castle is free to explore.
And for warm sunny days, enjoy a beach day at one of the golden sands located within walking distance of the town centre, including North Beach, Castle Beach, and South Beach.
Adrenaline junkies can also choose from a variety of water sports, including paddle-boarding and jet skiing.
Visitors can also venture out to the holy Caldey Island, located just a 20-minute boat journey from either the harbour or Castle beach, depending on tides.
The small island has a rich history dating back to the sixth century, when St. Pyro established a hermit's cell, which later evolved into a monastic community.
Inhabited since the Old Stone Age, the island has had various monastic orders have reside there, including Benedictines and Cistercians.
There's a small shop and post office, as well as a lighthouse and scenic walks offering beautiful views of the Pembrokeshire coastline.
And while construction gets underway for Tenby's latest luxury accommodation, there are currently a variety of options to choose from, with the local Town Crier offering rooms from £89 per night.
There are also an array of local restaurants and gastro-pubs on offer, including The Baytree, Billycan, and The Cove.
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