The latest stage of the refurbishment of the Hythe Imperial Hotel has been marked with the official opening of the refurbished Imperial Ballroom.
The Mayor of Hythe Cllr Alan Smith and Mayoress Maureen Wright tripped the light fantastic to perform the opening ceremony at the hotel, which is owned and is being refurbished by the GSE Group.
A new dance floor, computer-controlled sound and lighting systems and air conditioning all feature as part of the ballroom’s £1 million refurbishment, which has seen the 1970s extension at the front of the hotel replaced by a new structure more in keeping with the Victorian design of the main building.
Improved disabled access and exterior landscaping complete the new ballroom complex, which is part of a multi-million pound refurbishment of the hotel.
“The Hythe Imperial is a landmark on the seafront in the town and it is exciting to come here today and see just how well the rejuvenation of this beautiful building is progressing,” said Cllr Smith.
“As with all seaside communities, tourism is key to Hythe’s economy and this welcome work to transform the hotel into a modern venue will pay dividends for us all when it is complete and attracting visitors to our town.”
Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, said the completion of the ballroom meant work on the hotel was progressing well.
He said: “Over the past 12 months the majority of the public areas, bars, restaurants and function rooms have been refurbished and plans are in place to start work on the bedrooms, which includes the installation of air conditioning in every room.”
The refurbishment of the Hythe Imperial is being carried out in conjunction with the Imperial Green residential development of 75 high quality townhouses and apartments in the grounds of the hotel.
The Imperial Ballroom was officially opened on Thursday, October 9 2014.