Restored Grand Ocean design view
From 2005 until very recently it was empty, and looking considerably like the aftermath of an out-of-hand party. Between 1953 and 1999 it was a lively Butlins where Tarbuck tickled the guests’ humour as a redcoat, followed by a short turn with the Grand Hotel Group. In 1938, however, the smashed windows were brightly lit and the empty halls echoed with fashionable personages including the film star Bette Davis. Today is the grand re-opening of the Ocean Hotel, Saltdean – restored and rejuvenated as classic deco-style apartments.
The empty hotel in 2007
The Grade II listed hotel is a magnificent piece of Art Deco architecture: the curving wave of a white stucco frontage block with cast glass columns framing the entrance, facing a triangular garden with ornamental water feature. Located in the seaside resort of Saltdean, some five miles to the east of Brighton, the building was designed and built between 1938 and 1939, by Richard H Jones for Ocean Hotels Ltd – an arm of Saltdean Estate Company that had built the Saltdean Lido and developed the adjoining land for housing. The design of the hotel was influenced by nearby De La Warr Pavilion, which had been built in 1935 to the design of Eric Mendelsohn.
Grand Hotel in 1939
When completed in 1939 it provided accommodation for 600 guests across six buildings, with a built-in wardrobe, lavatory, basin, house telephone and electric fire in each of its 411 bedrooms. Public rooms included a 120ft long restaurant and lounge with American-style bar, and dance floor in the main hotel, and staff sleeping quarters were provided above a 150 car garage space.
Now, the official unveiling of the restored building is due to take place at the beginning of February, as the hotel celebrates a new incarnation where new owners check-in for a long stay to enjoy the Grand Ocean’s breathtaking restoration. The hotel is enjoying a new lease of life as a residential development of luxury apartments including affordable housing. 45 one- and two-bed apartments are provided in the listed building, and the less significant dormitory blocks have been replaced with 234 further apartments echoing the white stucco curves of the hotel, and forming a stylish geometric fan design – a popular Art Deco motif.
The restored building in 2010.
Most apartments have a sea-view, and all have integrated appliances and under-floor heating. A number of the apartments benefit from private terraces and all apartments can enjoy the Grand Ocean’s beautifully restored ornamental gardens. Principal spaces such as the entrance lobby and main staircase have been fully restored, and a doctor’s surgery for the local area is to be provided in the former dining room.
Main spiral staircase looking up
RPS’ Historic Environment Team based at London Bridge, was initially appointed by developers Explore Living to advise on an emerging scheme for the conversion of the main hotel block to apartments and community uses, in addition to the replacement of the dormitory blocks to the rear. Applications for planning permission and listed building consent were submitted, supported by a heritage statement prepared by RPS which outlined the special interest of the building, and justified the proposals in this context. The proposals were approved by Brighton and Hove Council.
The specialist listed building advice provided by RPS was essential when agreeing the details of the reserved matters and restoration work with the local authority’s planning and heritage officers. Without this advice it may have been problematic for the client to address the detailed requirements of the listed building consents for the site, leading to delays in the sale of the completed apartments.
Restored entrance lobby
As the scheme has been implemented, RPS has advised on revisions to the approved design, and has co-ordinated a number of detailed reserved matters. This has involved developing a close working relationship with the construction and design teams, and with the local authority’s professional staff.
Detailed specialist advice has been provided relating to matters such as the selection of an appropriate Art Deco colour scheme, the restoration and replication of the ornate plaster decoration to the public areas, the replacement of the steel windows and the Marlomeum floor coverings. This included sourcing the correct materials, specialist manufacturers and craftsmen to be used for the works of restoration.
Restored entrance lobby –detail
RPS Director, Andrew Dick says "This has been a most rewarding project for the team in that we have been called upon to provide specialist advice on a wide range of heritage issues to the satisfaction of the client and this has been achieved through the establishment of a good working relationship will all of the professionals involved in the project".
Contact:
Andrew Dick
T: +44 (0) 20 7939 8000
E: dicka@rpsgroup.com