THE landmark hotel in Watergate Bay has received the go ahead for its major expansion plans.

Watergate Bay Hotel has been given planning permission from Cornwall Council for the redevelopment of the adjacent former Tregurrian Hotel site, which will be home to a new Watergate Bay Beach Club.

The scheme will extend the Watergate Bay Hotel wellbeing experience and will feature a swimming pool, gym, studios and treatment rooms, as well as a dedicated wellness area for the team working at the hotel.

The new building will also offer guests large multi room apartments, for those looking for the freedom and space to complement the main hotel.

The food offering for day visitors, locals and guests at Watergate Bay will be extended under the new plans.

A distinctive timber food pavilion bringing together local, independent food and drink outlets will replace the current shipping containers in the private car park opposite the hotel, becoming a permanent home for relaxed “street food by the sea”.

A small convenience shop, which was identified as a significant need through the public consultation process, will be added to offer a go-to for essentials and deli food.

Alongside the pavilion and shop, closer to the beach and built into the natural contours of the hill, will be a collection of 12 beach loft hotel suites.

These will have grass roofs and have been designed in harmony with the surrounding cliffs and beach below. A new walkway will connect them all to the main Watergate Bay Hotel building.

The scheme will also create a better and safer pedestrian experience for people coming to the bay as it will improve accessibility and the current pedestrian flow between the car parks and lane to the beach, and softening areas with planting and hedging.

The plans follow an in-depth road safety audit by Cormac, specially commissioned by Watergate Bay Hotel, to improve the road system, open access areas and pedestrian experience for everyone.

The redevelopment also includes a new landscaped car parking area, which will blend into the natural surroundings and enhance the bay’s accessibility for the future. Minimising environmental impact was kept front of mind throughout the application process.

The plan will be delivered in up to three stages over a few years, to enhance the area behind the beach for visitors and the local community.

Will Ashworth, executive director of Watergate Bay Hotel, states the redevelopment plans will move the hotel group one step closer to building a long-term sustainable future for tourism in the bay.

Mr Ashworth said: “Having listened to our neighbours, partners and local community, we are today announcing that our plans have been approved.

“We thank everyone for their input in this process as their views have helped evolve our vision, which will secure the sustainability and accessibility of Watergate Bay for the future – as well as maximise enjoyment of the bay for everyone. This is an exciting milestone that we are now looking forward to putting into action over the next few years.”