City hotel's future in doubt as owner goes bust
MYSTERY surrounds the future of a big Swansea hotel.
The Dolphin Hotel, in Whitewalls, has been closed since January — apparently for a six-month refurbishment scheme.
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But staff in neighbouring premises said they had not seen contractors at the 66-room hotel since the new year. And groups that formerly used it said they were in the dark as to what was going on.
There is speculation that the two-star hotel, or at least some of it, may be turned into flats.
Gwalia Housing told the Post it had received approaches to that effect in recent months. Lynne Egan, who used to run her weekly Slimline class at the Dolphin, said: "The hotel manager rang during the Christmas holidays to say they were closing temporarily.
"I went in to collect my scales. He said he would contact me when they were starting up again, but I have not heard anything since."
She now operates at the Dragon Hotel in The Kingsway.
Staff at Warren James Jewellers, in Whitewalls, said nothing seemed to have happened at the Dolphin, which is next door, for six months. "Now and again we see men in suits standing outside," one of them said.
In 2006, the hotel was taken on by new owners, who unveiled multi-million refurbishment plans including the addition of two storeys.
Swansea planning officers approved the plans in 2008, but it appears the work did not take place.
Land Registry records show the hotel owner as Morgan Sinclair Ltd, of 37-38 The Kingsway, Swansea.
Companies House said Morgan Sinclair has been in liquidation since March.
Appointed liquidator Begbies Traynor, of Cardiff, said Morgan Sinclair held the lease for the Dolphin Hotel.
A Begbies Traynor spokesman said: "Following the issuing of a compulsory winding up order against Morgan Sinclair on March 17, 2010, Peter Dewey of Begbies Traynor was appointed liquidator on May 5, 2010.
"Morgan Sinclair held the lease of the Dolphin Hotel, Swansea. The company has no assets of any value and there were no employees."
A separate operating company, The Dolphin Hotel Ltd, has been handled in a voluntary creditors' liquidation since last summer by insolvency firm McAlister & Co, of Mansel Street, Swansea. "The liquidation is ongoing — it has not been finalised," said a McAlister & Co spokeswoman.
Mike Jones, director of Tourism Swansea Bay and the owner of the White House Hotel in Uplands, said the ongoing loss of the Dolphin's rooms was significant. But he added: "We have got some fantastic new hotels and some quality smaller ones in Swansea. We have never been better placed to face a bright tourism future."
Ward councillor David Phillips said any development to bring an important city centre building back into productive use was to be welcomed.
"However, the council will need to ensure sufficient controls are in place to protect business from further disruption," he said.
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
5 Comments
by jon, uplands
Tuesday, July 20 2010, 9:34AM
“one of those places you know is there but never look at.
Its perfect for one of the premier inn or travelodge group to colonise.
Although does it have any parking available.... hmm”
by clarysage50, Somerset
Monday, July 19 2010, 6:28PM
“We had our wedding reception there in 1973.....it wasn't particularly good even THEN.!!!!!!!”
by Steve, Mayals, Swansea
Monday, July 19 2010, 3:10PM
“Reptile, Hafod: Actually, you make a good point. The hotel is dire need of refurbishment. Still, the structure is sound, and as it is located in a very central and convenient location I feel that up-grading the facility (perhaps into a three or four star hotel) could still make a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, perhaps we can just hope that a rich investor will add extra floors and convert the building into a convention centre with a concert hall, complete with cafe and leisure facilities. I dream on!”
by Reptile, Hafod
Monday, July 19 2010, 2:56PM
“Sadly the hotel has become very run down and the standard of the rooms was very poor - there are much better hotels in the area such as Premier and Travellodge.
Any new buyer would have to invest a lot of money to bring the hotel up to an acceptable standard.”
by Steve, Mayals, Swansea
Monday, July 19 2010, 2:27PM
“The Dolphin would serve the city better if it were transformed into a business hotel with facilities that are open to the public, such as restaurants, cafes, gym, multi-function room etc. Consequently, I suggest the council refuse permission to transform the building into flats, and also reject any license application for the property that differs from the original use as a hotel.”