Green light for multimillion-pound Rutland Arms hotel refurbishment

The green light has been given for a multimillion-pound refurbishment of the Rutland Arms hotel in Newmarket, Suffolk.

Review Hotels, which also owns Bedford Lodge nearby, acquired the 46-bedroom property in March 2018 for an undisclosed price from Oxford Inns, and now plans to complete a renovation of the property by the end of 2021.

The newly approved plans include enhancing the main building, and renovation of the adjacent annexe building which will house additional luxury bedrooms, meeting and conference rooms.

The refurbishment will also include a new restaurant and kitchen in the main building, and a redesigned interior, enhancing the existing characteristics of the hotel, such as decorative ceilings, fire places and stained-glass windows.

Established in 1981, Review Hotels is owned by the Kean family.

Noel Byrne, chief executive at the Rutland Arms Hotel and Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, said: "Standing prominently at the top of Newmarket high street, the Hotel is one of the most iconic buildings in the town and we are very excited to proceed with its transformation. Our plans will harness the rich history of the property, restoring it to its former glory."

Mike Kean, director, Review Hotels, added: "Rutland Arms Hotel is an incredibly exciting project and we are thrilled to have reached this major milestone with planning permission. All plans have been designed to ensure that the hotel is brought back to life, whilst being sympathetic to its original heritage. This is a significant investment for us, and we are committed to creating a hotel that will be a place for both local community and visitors to enjoy for the long-term."