The new managers of a Lake District hotel are planning a multi-million pound refurbishment as they look to “reposition” it in the market.

Bowness’ Hydro Hotel was bought out of administration by Bangkok-based investment group Lake Merritt Group last month.

Dundee-based company 7 Hospitality Management has been awarded the contract to manage the establishment.

Richard Ellison, managing director of 7 Hospitality Management, said the company was already liaising with designers about the revamp the 78-room hotel in Helm Road.

This would include enhancing the bedrooms and public areas, as well as potentially adding a spa and games room.

“We are looking to retain the story of the Hydro and the culture around it, but we are also looking to modernise it,” said Richard.

“We are going to look at everything from improved heating to water pressures. technology, carpets, painting, decorating and furniture.

“There is lots of space that is currently utilised that we will look to use and we are certainly looking at a spa development.”

As well as retaining over 30 staff who currently work at the hotel, there was also the potential to employ more, he said.

The company was interested in working with investors to acquire and manage other properties in the Lakes, Richard added.

“The Lake District is a difficult place to acquire hotels because they rarely come up for sale,” he said.

“We are looking at other assets for both this group and other investors at the moment. We see it as a very attractive place to invest in.”