Revamp for former asylum seeker hotel in Cheshunt
Village Hotels are taking over the old Delta Marriott at Halfhide Lane
A former asylum seeker hotel in Cheshunt is set to be refurbished and extended by a new operator.
Village Hotel Club plans to reopen the former Delta Marriott in Halfhide Lane by 2028, after building a new gym and spa facility in the courtyard and extending the hotel’s restaurant and bar.
The hotel was used to accommodate asylum seekers from December 2022, but has been empty since the last asylum seekers moved out earlier this year.
Broxbourne Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed last week (Wednesday, July 29) to approve plans for the hotel to be reconfigured and extended.
While the building’s footprint would grow under the plans, the number of bedrooms will fall from 145 to 142.
Facilities including the gym, restaurant and bar will be accessible to residents as well as hotel guests.
Hertfordshire Highways objected to the plans on the grounds that it would lead to “a notable increase” in car trips, but the borough council concluded that permission should be granted for the scheme.
Robin Leahy, director of mergers and acquisitions at Village Hotel Club, said: “Our ambition is to transform this vacant site into a high-quality destination that the local community can be proud of, bringing it back into its lawful, active use and bringing together hospitality, health and wellness, business, leisure and social experiences, all under one roof.
“We believe this proposal represents an opportunity to breathe life into an existing vacant hotel, support the local economy, and create a destination that will serve Cheshunt’s residents, businesses and visitors.
“Our current ambition is to open during 2028 and, where opportunities exist to accelerate the delivery, we will always look to do so without compromising quality.”
Committee members welcomed the application, with Shenis Hassan Hasan saying she was “absolutely delighted” that Village Hotel Club were coming to Broxbourne, and chair Peter Chorley adding that he was “pleased to see a business wanting to invest in Broxbourne”.
Giles Hall, another committee member, said: “It’s good to see this hotel back in use and … I’m looking forward to the improvements that are going to be made.
Ward councillor for Wormley and Turnford, Jim Clune, backed the application but said he would be holding Village Hotel Club to account to ensure it is delivered as planned.