£30m Turnberry facelift set to swing into action

Oct 10 2008

A STAGGERING £30 million will be poured into restoring Turnberry Hotel to its former glory.

And the landmark hotel’s new owners revealed this week that it will be ready in time for the Open next summer.

Every public room and more than 50 bedrooms will be given a major makeover as part of the first phase of the overhaul.

Dubai based Leisurecorp will officially take ownership of the hotel and resort on November 1.

And chief executive officer Alan Rogers confirmed that the championship Ailsa course will close on the same day to allow it to be perfectly prepared in time for the Open in July.

The Kintyre Course, Clubhouse, and Colin Montgomerie Links Academy are to remain open.

Hotel manager Stuart Selbie explained that the ground floor will be opened up with views to Ailsa Craig, the same as it was when it was built in 1906.

He said: “The Ailsa Bar will be transformed into the Grand Tea Lounge and be part of the lobby but the decor will cleverly have a modern twist.

“The Arran Room will become the main bar and a relaxing sporting bar will also be established at the other end of the ground floor.

“Modernisation of the kitchen will also be completed and include the in troduction of a chef’s table for 10 within it. Staff will also have new offices.”

Mr Selbie added: “Utilising the original architect plans of 1906, the restoration work on the ground floor will include the re-establishment of working fireplaces on their original sites.

“The chimneys are still there – we just have to install the fireplaces and restore the chimneys.”

New plumbing, electrics, and a state-of-the art energy centre will provide individual heat and air conditioning control for every room and there will be a business centre with the latest technology.

The resort will be operated by present owners Starwood under a 30-year contract with Leisurecorp.

Mr Rogers added: “Part of our plans also include establishing a bar, restaurant, and a pool at the stables by next April or May. It’s where the existing outdoor activity centre is based.

“This will be much handier for our lodge guests who will also be able to check in there rather than at the main hotel.

“The activity centre will be relocated nearer the activities which will also be expanded and improved.”

The second phase of Turnberry’s redevelopment will include a total refurbishment and upgrade of the Spa.

An additional 15 bedrooms will be added within the current first floor of Turnberry House and all work due to be completed by April 2010.