By Ryan Sands
PLANS to transform Newcastle’s Clare Lodge into a 24-bedroom boutique hotel have been submitted. An application to change the use of the former St Vincent de Paul holiday and respite centre was sent to council planners by the Eight 5 Zero Group late last month. It proposes refurbishing the Castle Place residential building—which includes two vacant retail units—and converting it into hotel accommodation, a bar and restaurant, as well as the addition of a rear extension.
A design and access statement notes that Clare Lodge is not listed and is ‘prominently located along Newcastle’s Central Promenade.’ “Buildings along the promenade exhibit a mix of architectural styles, reflecting Newcastle’s evolution as a seaside resort,” it reads. “Historic structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries sit alongside mid-century developments and modern refurbishments.”
“Clare Lodge itself is a substantial, purpose-built facility, rebuilt in 2016 to contemporary standards. It comprises 19 en suite bedrooms—many with sea or mountain views—alongside a dining hall, lounge, and reception areas. The ground floor includes former commercial units, previously configured as a restaurant, offering scope for hospitality or retail use. This location combines the tranquility of a coastal setting with proximity to vibrant town centre amenities, making Clare Lodge a landmark property in one of Northern Ireland’s most desirable seaside destinations.”
It is highlighted that the building’s existing structure would be ‘largely retained’ and that ‘the existing 19 hostel bedrooms on the first and second floor are to be reconfigured into 24 boutique en suite bedrooms.’ “Many of the building’s original external and structural walls will remain in place, with the removal of redundant partitions and fittings on the interior to accommodate a more appropriate floor plan for a new boutique hotel,” the document continues.
“The main entrance to the building has been relocated from its current position on the southeast façade, to be accessed from the main street off Central Promenade. This centrally located entry gives the building a more prominent and updated frontage, encouraging the public to take notice of the new hotel and its facilities. New construction primarily takes the form of a two-storey destination restaurant and bar extension to the rear of the building, which benefits from panoramic views of both the coast and Mourne Mountains.”
An external seating area to ‘maximise activity near the coastal path and draw visitors into the new restaurant and bar’ will be located by the extension and will be publicly accessible via a new pathway. The statement also says that the massing of the development has been ‘carefully considered so as not to disrupt the adjacent B2 listed property,’ namely the Newcastle Centre.
It is confirmed that the number of onsite parking spaces would be reduced from 13 to two, both of which are ‘accessible and provide ease of access to the rear entrance,’ though it is stated that there is ‘a variety of car parking areas near the application site that visitors can access.’ The document points out that archaeological monitoring of the site was carried out when Clare Lodge was rebuilt in 2016—this was required due to the site’s proximity to the recorded location of Newcastle Castle—and it was concluded that it ‘does not contain any material of archaeological interest.’ “Accordingly, no further archaeological investigation or mitigation is required, and the site is considered to present no constraint to the proposed development,” it adds.
The statement’s conclusion says that the proposed redevelopment ‘represents a considered and sustainable response to its prominent coastal setting on Newcastle’s Central Promenade’ and will deliver ‘significant improvements in design, accessibility, and functionality.’ “The design approach respects the character of the surrounding area, maintaining a modest massing and material palette that harmonises with adjacent heritage assets, while delivering a contemporary hospitality offer,” it reads. “Overall, the redevelopment of Clare Lodge will revitalise a vacant site, contribute positively to Newcastle’s tourism economy, and enhance the quality of the town’s built environment.”
“The scheme embodies principles of good design, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that Clare Lodge continues its legacy as a welcoming destination for visitors, while supporting the long-term vibrancy of Central Promenade.”
In June, St Vincent de Paul put the property—which had been vacant since the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020—up for sale for £1m. At that time, a spokeswoman for the charity said: “We can confirm that Clare Lodge has been closed for five years, and the Society of St Vincent de Paul has now placed it on the market for sale. Any proceeds from the sale of the property will be used in the northern region to help alleviate poverty.”
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