Premier Inn Hotels revealed its plans for the redesign of the former Station Beefeater pub opposite Horsham Railway Station in a planning application lodged this week with Horsham District Council.
The pub was shut in 2024 amid a shake-up by Premier Inn hotel chain owners Whitbread and became a Premier Inn restaurant serving only people staying at the Premier Inn next door in North Road.
Now the hotel chain wants to partly demolish the former pub restaurant and erect a replacement hotel and guest restaurant extension. But a computerised image of how it might look has been met with wide public disapproval.
Many took to social media expressing their views. Claire Briscoe described it as ‘an eyesore’ and queried: “Why can’t anything be designed to look aesthetically pleasing nowadays?”
Dan Broomwicks described the proposed new building as “hideous and utterly inappropriate,” while John Doyle stated: “Looks completely out of keeping.”
Clive Richardson also had strong words, asking: “What muppet designed that monstrosity? If this gets passed then the planning dept wants sacking.”
Geoff Oborne said: “Looks horrendous,” while Rachel Sue Cusden exlaimed: “Good grief.”
Crystal Pearl described it as “hideous” while Steve Greenfield called it “diabolical” and Alan Streete described it as a ‘carbuncle.’
Chris Stern urged: “Come on…we can do better than this! It faces an art deco station and a 16th century cottage. Unacceptable.”
But some were less critical. Aumit Bagchi said the new design “makes sense – the architecture is entirely consistent with the Horsham Gates, Century House and the flats the other side of the tracks.
"The hotel is unfortunately a dump now so needs a revamp and the overall footprint isn't changing so no impact on other businesses. Hope it gets approved.”
And Nico Spurrier added: “Fantastic opportunity to redevelop and expand the existing pub site. Great for local construction, hospitality, and making Horsham more welcoming for visitors.”
No decisions have yet been made.
1. Former pub proposals
The Station Beefeater pub and restaurant closed to the public two years ago and now owners Premier Inn Hotels want to partly demolish it and replace it with an extension to the Premier Inn next door in North Street, Horsham Photo: Google
2. Former pub proposals
An image of how Premier Inn Hotels say the former Station Beefeater pub could look after redevelopment, if planning permission is granted Photo: Contributed