THE owner of a hotel, built more than 150 years ago, has announced plans to give it a major facelift.

The plans, if approved, will see the listed Pier Hotel’s front balcony expanded and turned into a new outdoor seating area for its first-floor restaurant.

The Pier Hotel, in Harwich's conservation area, was built in 1860 on the site of a former brewery.

Its blue-and-white frontage, cast-iron railings and rooftop “lantern” feature, have made it a familiar part of Harwich Quay.

New plans by owner Milsoms Hotels would create a seating area for its renowned Harbourside Restaurant on the first floor balcony.

The company also wants to extend the rear of the building to accomodated a bigger kitchen and disabled toilets.Alift would also offer disabled access to the first floor.

Paul Milsom, managing director and chairman of Milsoms, declined to say what the project would cost, but said the investment would be “substantial”

with the kitchen work alone costing £180,000.

He was keen to reassure people in the town great care would be taken conserve the Grade II listed building’s overall appearance.

Plans show the existing cast - iron railings being retained to preserve the look of the muchloved Italianate style frontage.

Mr Milsom said: “We have had our heritage expert working with us on the plans and have been consulting planners.

“The whole of the extension would not be that big and everything that’s there now is being retained, including the original railing.

“We hope this will be seen as a welcome addition to the building.

“We’ve had good meetings with the planners and the council and they would like to see investment in Harwich.”

Harwich mayor Dave McLeod welcomed the plans, saying: “The whole area is looking up and any addition is welcome.

“The Pier Hotel makes Harwich visitor-friendly and this will only give the area a lift.”