New Era for Historic Southwold Building

Monday, 8 December 2025 06:00

Image from Savills of the Southwold building

A bar and restaurant at a historic hotel looks set to be converted to make way for new accommodation.

New self-catering studio accommodation is set to be unveiled after plans to reinvigorate the Blyth Hotel in Southwold were given the go-ahead.

The former freehold pub - originally called The Station Hotel - situated in an Edwardian building on the junction of Station Road and Pier Avenue in Southwold was built in 1901.

Adnams had owned the former Blyth Hotel freehold for several years, until it was listed for sale in November last year - with offers sought in excess of £750,000.

New owners are now understood to be in place at the hotel, which is now known as 'The Bay'.

Plans were lodged with East Suffolk Council in September by agents Brooks Architects Ltd for the applicant P O'Leary, on behalf of Midland Hotels.

A scheme centring around "alterations to complete conversion to Aparthotel" at the building in Station Road, Southwold was permitted under delegated council powers this week.

The proposals involve the conversion of the public function rooms - a bar, restaurant, reception and kitchen area on the first floor of the hotel - into five self-catering studio suite rooms.

The hotel currently offers 12 en-suite bedrooms on the two floors above, and with internal alterations and refurbishment, the proposed Aparthotel will provide 18 rooms.

Documents said: "The proposals represent a substantial financial investment that is focused on the enhancement, diversification and expansion of the hotel accommodation base."

With the proposals "to establish solely self-catering accommodation," a delegated report from the council's case officer said: "Officers are satisfied that the proposed Aparthotel will provide additional tourist accommodation in a sustainable area."

With the addition of five new rooms on the ground floor in "an imposing and stylish building," no objections were received.

The application was subsequently recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

More from Local News

Tributes Pour in for Lowestoft Teenager

Tributes have been pouring in after the death of Lowestoft teenager Skye Read, who suffered a cardiac arrest at her home.
Suffolk Man Jailed for Attacking Woman

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for a series of offences committed against a woman in Suffolk.
Fatal A12 Crash at Saxmundham

A man has died following a serious collision on the A12 in Saxmundham.
East Anglia Mayor Vote Pushed Back

Plans to postpone the first mayoral elections for Suffolk and Norfolk have triggered widespread anger and thrown a major local government shake-up into uncertainty.
Leiston and Saxmundham Council Award Hopes

Two East Suffolk town councils are celebrating after being shortlisted in the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards 2025/26.
New Traffic Signs for A12 Roadworks near Saxmundham

Drivers using the A12 near Saxmundham junction are being advised of updated traffic management measures as work continues on the construction of a new roundabout. The scheme is designed to improve traffic flow and safety at what has long been considered a high-risk junction.
Lifeboat Incident Off Suffolk's Coast

A late-afternoonLowestoft lifeboat callout to Southwold ensured a safe recovery after a 10-metre workboat with engine failure was unable to enter the harbour.
Lowestoft Travel Disruption After Person Hit by Train

Train services between Lowestoft and Norwich faced significant disruption after a person was hit by a train, leading to the closure of all lines on the route.