Grosvenor Hotel: Bats could block demolition of derelict fire-hit landmark near Bristol Temple Meads

Bats could block the demolition of a derelict hotel near Bristol Temple Meads which was hit by a fire almost a year ago.

Large fences have blocked off a huge area around the Grosvenor Hotel since last October, drastically reducing the space for walking and cycling.

The owner of the hotel was ordered by a court to make the building safe, but these works have not yet been done. Due to a risk the building could collapse, a huge area around the building must be blocked off for safety reasons.

If bats are found to be roosting in the hotel, that could delay the demolition of the building even further. Updates on the Grosvenor Hotel were given to councillors on the growth and regeneration scrutiny commission on Thursday, September 28.

John Smith, executive director of growth and regeneration at the council, said: “There has been a court order saying it has to be made safe. The work to complete that is out of date, it should have been done by now. We’re in ongoing discussions with the owner.

“Ultimately the council, through its enforcement control function, could carry the works itself. We would rather not do that because obviously it’s the responsibility of the owner and there’s issues with costs.”

Ecologists have carried out a bat survey in the hotel, and the results are due “any day”.

If nesting bats have been found in the hotel, that could have a major impact on “when and how” the hotel is finally knocked down.