Gainsborough: New hotel could be coming to town

Dransfield Properties Ltd has purchased The Sun Hotel in North Street, Gainsborough, and bosses say it is their aspiration to turn it into a hotel.

The Sun Hotel has been closed for many years but new developers hope to bring the building back to life.

A spokesman from Dransfield Properties said: “We can confirm that we have purchased the Sun Hotel in Gainsborough and will be submitting a planning application within the next two months.”

“It is certainly the case that there has been an aspiration for some time to have a hotel in the town and that is something we have been working with other local stakeholders on.”

“I can’t comment on any potential operator at this stage.”

Gainsborough was close to getting a hotel when earlier plans for the Elswitha Quarter included a hotel.

West Lindsey District Council and developers, the Lindum Group, had hoped to transform the area with a hotel, cinema and bowling alley.

The plans for the area caused controversy with campaigners angry that the development would spill across the road from the Old Guildhall site into Whittons Gardens.

But the plans fell through when the council and developers failed to secure a hotel for the site.

Samantha Dodd, Gainsborough Town Manager, said: “It is very encouraging to see investment coming to Gainsborough.”

“I hope that there are opportunities for local businesses in the build phases, as well as setting up new supply chains and creating new jobs.”

“For many, it will be positive to see an unused building given a new lease of life.”

“And there is anecdotal evidence that similar developments having contributed towards visitor numbers, business tourism, and increased visitor spend.”

“Having said all this, it is crucial that any new development in an established market town like Gainsborough is done in partnership with existing businesses.”

“Gainsborough is also home to some large international businesses who can sometime struggle to find suitable accommodation close to the town.

“I hope that a development like this will service Gainsborough’s business community better, and give them a wider choice of accommodation.”