Fairways Lodge Hotel could be demolished amid retirement complex plans

The Fairways Lodge Hotel, off Bury New Road in Prestwich, was acquired by retirement home operator, McCarthy Stone, which has submitted a bid to knock down the two-storey site and create a new building with 52 retirement living apartments.

The hotel’s landlord, Nabeel Mussarat, confirmed he sold the building to McCarthy Stone after putting the building up for sale in May last year.

McCarthy Stone is proposing to demolish the hotel and construct a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, "specifically designed to meet the needs of local older people".

It says the proposed "retirement living complex" will offer "elegant low maintenance apartments for sale or rent exclusive to the over 60s".

A design for the proposed retirement living complex on the site of the Fairways Lodge Hotel (Image: Bury Council/McCarthy Stone)

Nearby residents were informed of the plans through a letter from the company, which added the complex would create “intergenerational living” and “complement the new homes being delivered as part of the wider site".

In 2018, plans for 124 new homes were approved for land close to the Fairways Lodge, which have been developed by Bellway, on George Street.

A planning statement with the retirement homes plan say: “The proposal aims to allow homeowners to relocate to a property ideally suited to their needs, while freeing up existing family housing for local people.

“This minimises the need for further development elsewhere in the borough.”

The Fairways Lodge could become 52 new apartment under new plans (Image: Bury Council/McCarthy Stone)

The site has existed as a hotel for around 20 years and has had two different tenants during that time.

It was previously known as The Village Hotel and Leisure Club and run by De Vere Hotel Group until it was put up for sale in 2004 because it "no longer fitted the brand profile".

One resident and mum-of-two shared her disappointment at the news.

She said: “It will be a real shame if Fairways Lodge closes. I’ve lived in Sedgley Park for the past five years and it’s so nice to have it on the doorstep.

“The staff are always really friendly. It was a great place to watch the last Euros football tournament, with free food brought out at half time, and a great atmosphere.

The Fairways Lodge off Bury New Road, Prestwich (Image: Melanie Disley/Newsquest)

“I’ve been to Zumba classes there and just recently attended one of the sound bath and reiki sessions downstairs in the studio which was amazing.

“We’ve enjoyed family meals and held celebrations there, attended the children’s Christmas and Halloween parties.

“There’s always something happening and it’s so handy, I hope it stays.”

The application will be considered by the council's planning control committee following a period of consultation.