YHA (England and Wales) has received planning to permission to transform Brighton’s former Royal York Hotel on Old Steine into a 180-bed Youth Hostel.Following a refurbishment of the historic building, YHA Brighton will open later this year and will join YHA’s 160-strong network of Youth Hostels throughout England and Wales which provide great value, friendly accommodation for young people, families and individuals.
Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales), said: “We have considerable experience of running successful hostels some of which are heritage and listed buildings. The transformation of the Royal York Hotel building into a Youth Hostel not only brings it back into use but is an excellent use for such an historic and beautiful building. It brings life to the former hotel ensuring its long-term viability in Brighton.
The latest hostel will give YHA a much-needed presence in Brighton and enhances the charity’s presence in the South East further. Last year it opened the popular £5 million YHA South Downs at Southease following a sympathetic refurbishment of the historic 13th century Itford Farm.
Caroline added: “YHA will transform the feel and energy of the Royal York Hotel building whilst ensuring its history is fully respected. Our refurbishment will maintain the building’s heritage and bring it back into use for many more generations of local people and tourists to enjoy.
“We want to make sure that we continue to have world class hostels in fantastic locations and to make sure that as many people as possible know about what a great time they can have when they stay with us. We expect hundreds of young people to experience this Youth Hostel and the City of Brighton every year.”
The investment in YHA Brighton is part of YHA (England and Wales) capital investment plan. In 2013, YHA invested more than £13 million in its network helping put further distance between the outdated public perception of Youth Hostels and the modern reality, which is proving particularly popular with young families looking for great value, child-friendly breaks. The modern reality led to the charity being ranked in the top 5 luxury chain hotels, alongside Malmaison, Sofitel and Hotel Du Vin in the Guardian, Observer and guardian.co.uk Readers’ Travel Awards 2012.
To take a virtual tour of a modern YHA Youth Hostel visit www.yha.org.uk/hostel-virtual-tours
