Former Cheshire courthouse to convert jail cells into hotel bedrooms

Flat Cap Hotels has submitted plans for a new hotel, restaurant and bar at The Courthouse in Knutsford as part of a multimillion-pound investment.

The second phase of renovation at the Grade II-listed original courthouse will see the jail cells converted into bedrooms, new meeting spaces created, a major refurbishment of the restaurant and bar, plus new outdoor areas including a rooftop terrace.

Flat Cap Hotels, which took over the building in 2016, completed an initial extensive conversion of the two original court rooms in 2018, which created 60 jobs.

It also operates and owns The Vicarage in Cranage and The Bridge in Prestbury.

The company said: “We have worked very hard throughout the last 12 months with our team of specialists to bring forward a proposal that would preserve the abundance of period features and historical nature of the building.

“Our plans have considered the local demand for quality accommodation, that will not only encourage visitors to the beautiful market town, but also help support employment and the local daily footfall and trading in Knutsford.”

Flat Cap Hotels engaged with Heritage Conservation Consultants, Kathryn Sathers and Associates, and specialist heritage architects, Hayes & Partners throughout the design process, to ensure the whole building is wheelchair accessible as well as safe for employees and patrons to meet ongoing social distancing guidelines.

If the plans are apprived by Cheshire East County Council, the new facilities are expected to be completed next year.