An historic York hotel has closed for a major multi-million pound transformation.
The Ibis York Centre on The Mount will be closed for about nine months as it is gutted and refurbished. It is due to reopen in January 2025 with a new bar and restaurant, plus an extension.
John Holroyd, the general manager at Ibis York, described it as a “full refurbishment and rebranding” together with an extension of 16 rooms at the rear.
That would take the number of rooms at the hotel to 110.
He said: “The whole of the interior has been ripped out. It’s being rebranded and it’s going from two to three to three star.”
The building incorporates former houses 77 and 79 The Mount which are Grade II listed. The exterior will be redecorated as part of the renovations.
“The history of the hotel dates back to 1835, where a brewer built it originally,” John said.
“So they’re going to use the brewing and distilling theme, and make a nice bar and restaurant.”
The scale of the investment shows a confidence in York’s economy, John said.
“I’ve been here nearly ten years now. And it’s gone from strength to strength every year. Even with the dated product, the numbers have been amazing.”
Keighley firm RN Wooler & Co is in charge of the refurbishment, under project directorGareth Wooler.
The Ibis York is one of four in the city that are part of the Splendid Hospitality group, including the five-star Grand. Staff are working in these other hotels until the Ibis reopens.