The hotel on Milford Street closed in July 2022 after the previous owner’s entered administration , and has been empty ever since. Local business, Larasian, has introduced renovation plans for the building. Founded by Brian Currie, it hopes to turn it into thirteen luxury suites, an al fresco restaurant and Spitfire rooftop bar.
Planning director Adam Bennett said: “This project is a new opportunity for Salisbury to deliver a type of hotel that the city’s not seen before. Something unique at the upper end that sits alongside and supplements the rest of the tourist accommodation. “The aim is not to take business or retract from other existing facilities but give Salisbury’s economy a boost and bring in people who, before now, have looked at Salisbury and said .
it doesn’t have that offer for me, there’s lots of nice heritage pieces to look at but I really want somewhere upmarket to be able to stay and enjoy my time'. READ MORE: Cathedral Hotel developers to show plans at public event “It’s something new and dynamic for Salisbury that fills that gap in the market”. Pictured (left to right): Barry Robbins, Brian Currie and Phillip Ham (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography) The 13 boutique rooms would offer a five-star experience for guests, as well as on site spa services, and a lobby/club room available for booking.
The courtyard would be transformed into an area for dining. Brian Currie has lived in Salisbury for his whole life, and his own family history inspired the idea to incorporate a rooftop Spitfire Bar to tribute all those working on Spitfire elements in Salisbury during the Second World War. He said: “The spitfire element makes me quite emotional when I think about my mum and dad.
” His parents met making spitfire components, as part of the “secret Spitfire” operation where 2,500 Spitfires were built in secrecy in Salisbury. Plans for the rooftop bar (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography) The rooftop bar would have a visually permeable design, primarily using glass, to let it fit “sensitively and seamlessly” into Salisbury’s skyline. The bar aims to offer a destination in its own right, where guests can enjoy a beverage with a view, in Salisbury’s first rooftop bar.
Brian said: “It will bring more visitors, more shoppers – and people will stay here for longer.” His CEO Barry Robbins added: “People do a flying visit to Salisbury, see the Cathedral and Stonehenge and then go off to Bath and spend time there. We want people to enjoy what Salisbury has to offer.
” Parts of the grade II listed building were altered in 1929, so many original heritage features were removed at that time, such as large parts of the rear façade. However, key features will be retained where possible, including the main internal staircase. (Image: Spencer Mulholland Photography) Adam said “We’re trying to celebrate and encase the staircase in a glass envelope.
Unfortunately, over the years, various other bits of heritage interests were lost with alterations, so it’s just an opportunity to preserve what’s left and celebrate it.” The chimneys would also be retained and have been incorporated in the plans as attractive features within the rooftop bar. READ MORE: LETTER: Cathedral Hotel's rooftop Spitfire Bar to be tribute President of Salisbury Chamber of Commerce Andy North said: “I am thrilled to endorse The Cathedral Hotel project.
Transforming this historic site into a 5-star hotel with 13 boutique rooms, an outside restaurant, and a rooftop bar will greatly enhance our city's appeal. “This project promises significant economic benefits, creating jobs, attracting visitors, and boosting local businesses. It is a fantastic enhancement that will bring substantial growth and prosperity to Salisbury.
“The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing the launch of the hotel, and we have offered to help out in whatever way we can.” Larasian continue to welcome feedback, which can be made at: thecathedralhotel.co.
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