Progress for Lews Castle hotel redevelopment 19/2/14
The redevelopment of the derelict Lews Castle into a plush hotel has taken a step
forward with formal plans to convert the upper floors of the building being lodged.
A single bidder to lease the castle has been whittled down from three serious applicants.
The lack of funding to convert the upper floors into hotel bedrooms or self-catering
holiday units was an obstacle.
Now, an application to create hotel apartments on the mezzanine, first, second and
third floors have been submitted to planners.
Cash was previously secured to upgrade the ground floor spaces including the ballroom
which is expected to host weddings and functions.
The hotel is expected to open next year.
A modern glass extension is also being built onto the castle to form a museum and
heritage centre. The main contractor is John Graham Construction of Northern Ireland.
By the end, the bill for the rescue and redevelopment of the castle plus the new-build
museum will be around £14 million.
The deteriorating Lews Castle, built by opium trader and Lewis landlord James Matheson
in 1847, is on the Buildings At Risk Register.
Despite significant funding problems, Western Isles Council went out on a limb and
pressed ahead with saving the derelict castle.
The refusal of crucial European funding threatened to kill off the flagship project
but “spare” finance became available after other competing bids fell, so the council
was invited to try again.
Mindful of the significant economic, tourism, regeneration and cultural benefits
the redevelopment would bring the Comhairle increased its contribution to over £4.3
million and lobbied other sources for extra cash.
The Scottish Government stepped in with a £1.6 million award to close a funding gap
which satisfied other funders the project was financially viable.
Jobs have been created from the construction works, injecting a boost for the islands’
ailing building industry during the conversion.