Revised plans submitted to convert iconic former Milford hotel into gym

Revised plans for the future of the former Milford Hotel have been submitted to Donegal County Council, including the construction of a new gym, creche, and coffee shop. 

Planning permission had been obtained in 2019 and extended in 2025 to demolish part of the derelict Milford Hotel for the construction of nine apartments and two dwellings.

However, new plans have been submitted, with revisions sought, including a gym with changing facilities, a creche area, a coffee shop with a roastery, a spa area and treatment rooms. 

Included in the revised applications are extensions to the rear of the building to include a stairwell, changing areas, and a plant room, omitting the construction of an apartment block containing two apartments to the rear of the site, which was approved in the previous planning application, revised car parking with additional spaces and an outdoor play area. 

MH Associates Architects and Surveyors, who prepared a design statement on behalf of the listed applicant, Kelly Property Development Ltd, stated: “Whilst the existing buildings are not protected structures, the applicants are committed to retaining the historic character of these important buildings within the heart of Main Street, Milford. 

“The development will revitalise this area and bring commercial activity back into the town centre.”

It was concluded: The alignment of this project with the aims of the Milford Town Centre First Plan, looking to provide a new lease of life into the town centre, with a fresh commercial opportunity not provided at the moment in Milford.

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“The proposed development has been carefully designed with the goal of keeping the historical heritage of the former Milford Hotel & adjoining bar, while simultaneously repurposing it into a modern commercial premise, with a fitness gym, creche facilities, spa & treatment services, and a modern coffee shop with roastery to serve both existing residents and travelling tourists alike.

“The Development has also been carefully designed to ensure that no adverse amenity impacts will be created for existing nearby residents.

“In our opinion, the proposed development represents a high-quality designed commercial premise which will help in revamping Milford Town Centre, and respectfully request the planning authority to consider a positive decision in due course.”

An iconic property, which lies vacant in Milford’s town centre, has been subject to criticism at the local political level.

In previous Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District council meetings, the topic of the derelict hotel has been discussed. Independent Councillor, Declan Meehan, labelled the building as an “eyesore” and asked the council to “assess the level of deterioration, the condition of the building, and what, if any, risk it poses to the public safety” in November 2024.

Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Liam Blaney asked that Donegal County Council make an application to purchase the site under the 2023 Building Acquisition Measure.

“It is one of the most prominent and best sites in the town,” said Cllr Blaney in April 2023. “This could be one of the few opportunities that we have to purchase this site.

“I think it’s timely. There is a chimney there ready to fall, and the building is in very poor condition. I do believe that the site would meet everything required.”