The leader of Shepway council has said he is certain that Folkestone’s largest hotel will “see value in a spruce-up” to coincide with major regeneration of the town’s seafront.

The Grand Burstin Hotel, which is owned by Britannia Hotels, opened in 1984 and replicates the shape of a ship.

It replaced the Royal Pavilion Hotel, and – with more than 500 rooms – remains a popular destination for visitors to the area 33 years on.

With an on-site gym, evening entertainment, a restaurant and free Wi-fi, the premises is still very much in use.

But the exterior has not changed much in the three-decades, and it is not yet clear whether there are future plans to bring it in line with the redeveloped area around it.

The Folkestone Harbour Company (FHC) is set to bring 1,000 homes to the seafront, along with retail and leisure venues and open spaces.

Work has already started to transform the area, which has been derelict for nearly a decade.

A spokesman for the FHC said: “The development is focused on the area within our outline planning consent.

“This project is building on the regeneration work that has already taken place in the town, which might in turn encourage other activities and improvements in the area.

'The Hotel Burstin isn’t part of our plans' - Folkestone Harbour Company

“The Hotel Burstin isn’t part of our plans, although we are of course aware that conversations with neighbouring businesses will be important as the development progresses.”

Shepway District Council leader Cllr David Monk said: “With the opening of the harbour arm and the seafront redevelopment, I am certain that The Grand Burstin recognises the potential of more and more visitors spending more and more money in the Harbour area in Folkestone.

“They are already a popular destination and already offer a great-value day trip to Boulogne but with more visitors about, I am sure that Britannia Hotels will see the value in carrying out planned maintenance to give it a spruce-up.”

Britannia Hotels was contacted for a comment but has not responded.