Hotel owners must do more to tackle urban explorers

The owners of an iconic Victorian hotel is failing on its duty to deal with repeated break-ins, according to the local council leader.

Since the Grand Atlantic Hotel on Weston-super-Mare's seafront closed in 2025 for a multi-million pound revamp, urban explorers have filmed themselves breaking into the empty hotel.

Mike Bell, North Somerset Council leader, said the owners "must do more" after the recent security issues and reports of anti-social behaviour.

Singapore-based owner the Fragrance Group, who bought the hotel in 2023, said it was developing future plans for the hotel, adding: "The safety and security of the Grand Atlantic Hotel and the surrounding community is a priority."

The Grand Atlantic Hotel first opened as a private boys' school in 1859 before becoming a hotel in 1889.

In 2023, RBH Hospitality Management were appointed to manage the building, which was due to reopen in 2026, but the company told the BBC its contract ended in October 2025.

Councillor Bell said despite security improvement by the owners "the building remains vulnerable and neighbouring residents are continuing to experience disturbance and concern".

He said one of Weston's "most prominent buildings" could not be left accessible to trespassers, which puts its future at risk.

Bell added he wants to meet the owners, who he is urging to consider a 24/7 physical presence at the site because boarding up the hotel hadn't worked.

"I know how important this building is to Weston and I will continue pushing for stronger action to protect the site, support neighbouring residents and secure a positive future for this landmark building," he said.

In April, Avon and Somerset Police said a group of young people were taken home to their parents after they posted a video to social media showing them exploring the empty hotel.

In another urban exploring video posted in May, graffiti can be seen on the walls and furniture and rubbish strewn across the floor, despite fencing around the outside of the hotel.

Daniel Aldridge MP for Weston-super-Mare, who was excited when he heard about the refurbishment plans in April 2025, said it was "simply not good enough for such an important building to be left standing empty".

"This is one of the most iconic buildings on our seafront, and bringing it back into use would be a huge boost for Weston," he said.

"Every month it remains vacant is another month it deteriorates further, attracts break-ins and anti-social behaviour, and causes understandable concern for the residents living nearby," he said.

"I will continue pressing those responsible for clear answers, a realistic timetable and a plan to get this landmark building back into use."

A spokesperson for the Fragrance Group said: "We are in the process of developing our plans for the future of the Grand Atlantic Hotel and since the acquisition, the Fragrance Group have worked closely with the council, local police, the MP and neighbours.

"The safety and security of the Grand Atlantic Hotel and the surrounding community is a priority.

"We have installed a steel perimeter securing the entire site and blocking all access points, backed by CCTV and 24-hour monitoring. We would encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to the police."

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