Owner shocked by hotel action
THE fate of the Grand Hotel hangs in the balance as preservationists take on the owners in a struggle for its future.
Old Town Preservation Society has obtained Grade II Listing for the hotel, closed in a dramatic pre-Christmas move a year ago.
The charity s action has angered owner Derek Smith who says that independent structural surveys undertaken on behalf of himself, Rother council and three potential buyers have revealed that 1.5m worth of repairs are needed.
He says the building is no longer viable as a hotel and Grade II Listing will delay his efforts to demolish the Grand and build luxury flats.