THE CHATEAU Impney Hotel and Exhibition Centre announced last Friday it had permanently shut after initially closing for the coronavirus crisis.
A statement on the venue’s website said the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 had led to the ‘most difficult’ decision which ‘had not been taken lightly’.
Bosses thanked their amazing team and praised their dedication and passion.
And it concluded by thanking suppliers and customers for their support over the years, wishing them all the best for the future.
“We hope you all stay safe and well in these unprecedented times,” it added.
In January the hotel announced the Chateau Impney Hill Climb which had put the venue on the map and attracted thousands of visitors would not be taking place and last year’s was the last one.
When it was brought back in 2015 after a gap of more than 50 years, the organisers said the hill climb weekend generated more than £1million for the Droitwich economy.
Its axe fell just weeks after the extravaganza was named ‘Best Competitive Event in the annual Royal Automobile Club’s (RAC) Historic Awards.
Rod Spollen, the Chateau’s managing director, said as the event was organised internally the Hill Climb was a big ‘time focus’ for just two days of the year when the hotel and exhibition centre operated for 365
Instead they would be focusing on the Chateau Impney estate as an ‘all-round enterprise’.
But on March 16 it was forced to close for COVID-19 and will now not re-open – unless new owners can be found.
The Chateau Impney Hotel and Raven Hotel were bought by Greyfort Properties Limited in July 2012 in a deal which saved 44 jobs.
A year later the Grade II listed building underwent a £1million revamp to transform it to its former glory.
The property has 106 bedrooms, function rooms, reception, bar areas and ornamental gardens.
It was built in 1875 by Salt King John Corbett for his ‘homesick’ French wife Anna.
