Developer Reveals Plans For Former Albert Hotel Annexe
Scott Gage bought the property with the aim of restoring it to its former glory. (Image: George Munro)
A Gourock developer has revealed how he hopes to breathe life into a derelict annexe building at a former hotel in the town.
Scott Gage recently bought the premises at the rear of what used to be the Albert Hotel, and plans to create a two-bedroom home at the site on Cove Road.
The businessman, who is based in Shore Street, said that he hopes that a local family will enjoy the property when his redevelopment of the site is completed.
Scott told the Greenock Telegraph: "I have bought the annexe of the hotel which dates back to 1830s. The annexe was the hotel's accommodation and cellar.
"I want to turn it into a two-bedroom home with a driveway. It was a total eyesore. I just wanted to invest in it.
"The property has been lying dilapidated for years. I felt sorry for it. I wanted to restore it to its former glory and turn it in to a nice dwelling for a family."
The hotel building had lain empty and in an increasingly sorry state for several years after the bar closed suddenly in May 2016 - but is now home to the 1830 Eatery and Harbour Lets.
The restaurant opened in the summer of 2022 and local firm Bowman Rebecchi launched Harbour Lets in 2024, transforming the rest of the main building into short-term lets.
Scott is remaining tight-lipped at how much he spent on buying the annexe, though the property was advertised on the Bowman Rebecchi website for offers over £30,000.
The advertisement described the annexe as being "in need of complete refurbishment" following Storm Éowyn in January 2025 ripped the rear section off the of the annexe. Rebecchi Architectural has been appointed to support the upgrading works.
Scott added: "The potential in the annexe building is clear, with the foundations acting as a good base to redevelop the building, with the scope to expand the outside public area to create a private entrance separate to the main building with the south-west facing garden."
Scott has already started work on the project, and hopes to have work complete by September. He described the project as a 'father and son' development, with Scott as project manager and his son as sub-contractor.
The work will be carried out by Engage Building Solutions, of which Scott and his son are co-directors.
This article appeared in The Greenock Telegraph.