Hebden Bridge pub could get new lease of life as 'aparthotel'
The Crown Hotel could be turned into accommodation under a new plan
A Hebden Bridge pub could get a new lease of life as an “aparthotel”, if planners agree.
Wayth-Hebden Bridge Ltd has applied to Calderdale Council seeking permission to change the use of the Crown Hotel, which is on the corner of Crown Street and Cheetham Street, from a public house with letting rooms to a public house with 16 aparthotel rooms.
According to the application, an aparthotel combines elements of both apartments and hotels using a hotel booking system which is automated.
Wayth Hotels already operate an aparthotel – The Briarcroft, at Goole in East Yorkshire – and Wayth-Hebden Bridge Ltd is owned by two local business owners, with strong links to the local community, say the papers.
If it is successful, the plan is to rename the building The Civic Hall in honour of its history.
Aparthotels are self-contained living spaces with kitchen facilities to some rooms or a shared guest kitchen with hotel-like amenities such as online reception services and daily housekeeping.
They have flexible stay options ranging from a few days to several months and are often suitable for both business travellers and tourists who prefer more independence, according to the application.
“Aparthotels are particularly popular for both short and longer term stays where guests want the comfort and practicality of an apartment combined with some hotel services, such as daily housekeeping and linen changes.
“Unlike a traditional hotel it does not offer concierge services, in house reception and staff, room service, leisure or gym facilities, swimming pools or bars and restaurants,” it says.
However, the proposal is to refurbish the existing ground floor bar/pub area and to rent this space out, say the applicants.
The aparthotel works by a door code being generated for the entry doors which is enabled for the customer at the check in time and guests “self check in.”
Originally Hebden Bridge’s Liberal Club after the political party bought the plot in the late 19th century, half being sold to the Co-operative Society, building the “Liberal Rooms” on the other half.
Hebden Royd Urban District Council bought the Liberal Club for £2,000 in 1955, investing £7,000 on adapting the premises for public use and it was re opened in January 1956 as the Civic Hall.
But following local government re-organisation in 1974, Calderdale Council could no longer support the Civic Hall financially and in June 1976 it was sold to the Hebden Bridge Sports and Social Club.
Then in 1991 it was purchased by Cravenmead of Leeds to be converted into a hotel.
Although it has changed hands on several occasions it is still an hotel and was known as B@r Place until the floods of 2012 and now known as the Crown Hotel