Plans for Portsmouth's first five-star hotel are a step closer

Plans to open Portsmouth's first five-star hotel are a step closer to being realised after its licence to sell alcohol and host events was agreed.

The former Royal Marines Museum, in Eastney, is set to be converted into the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

And this week Portsmouth councillors approved a licence for the site allowing the sale of alcohol to guests 24 hours a day, and the performance of live music until 3am.

However, following concerns from nearby residents it was agreed any outside activities at the hotel would have to stop by 11pm.

Speaking at a virtual licensing meeting, Paul Williams – who lives next to the hotel – said: ‘We are delighted that the building is being restored to the level of elegance it deserves, we believe it is reasonable it should be able to conduct business. It is also reasonable that we should be be able to live in a quiet and peaceful place.’

Eastney and Craneswater representative, Councillor Linda Symes, agreed. She said: ‘Try to think about the quality of life of people who are living there that this could effect enormously. A lot of those people have to go to work, they are busy in the day time and have to sleep at night. I don’t think 11pm is unreasonable.’

As part of the transformation of the museum into a hotel at least 80 rooms will be created and a new swimming pool will be built on site.

And hoteliers Grand Hotel Excelsior International Ltd have requested permission to host ‘plays, historical re-enactments and military ceremonies.’

One of the company’s directors, Stewart Elliott, said the team would work hard to make sure the site’s neighbours did not experience noise disturbance. Speaking to residents at the meeting he said: ‘We are looking forward to sitting down with you, let’s make this a success for everybody.

‘It’s in our best interest to keep the premises in good running order. I sincerely believe the rules and regulations are in place to make sure we run things properly. ‘

Mr Elliott also said the group had already had requests to host events for Remembrance Day and the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War at the hotel.