Speculation is growing that a Kent hotel often dubbed the “UK’s worst” is changing its name after almost 40 years.

The Grand Burstin in Folkestone has courted controversy many times since opening its doors in 1984.

Most recently it made headlines when a large part of its frontage collapsed onto the street below, injuring a coach driver and a holidaymaker.

And it is the latest development in the efforts to repair the facade that has led to questions about a possible rebrand.

A huge material banner has appeared over the damaged wall, with the name Grand Hotel emblazoned below the logo for Britannia Hotels, which runs the imposing guest house.

The previous sign, which was taken down when defective rendering was removed in November, carried the name Grand Burstin.

Martin Stone has shared a picture of the new banner on Folkestone Residents Group, writing: “I detect a rebrand in the offing!”

Given its reputation in the town, many commenters have unsurprisingly jumped in to say the venue requires more than a name change

Julie Clements wrote: “We don’t need a rebranding, need a rebuilding!”

Eddy James posted: “Crumbling eyesore. Appalling mess. Maybe a large affordable hotel is needed. Fine. But for goodness sake make them smarten it up. It lets down our beautiful town.”

Serena Louise Fuller added: “It needs to be bulldozed! Has always been an eyesore in an otherwise pretty area!”

The Burstin, which overlooks Folkestone harbour, is rated 2.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and is popular with coach parties from across the UK.

Amid the criticism, some locals have leapt to the defence of the hotel, which in November earned a positive review from a KentOnline reporter.

He stayed the night after Britannia was named the UK’s worst hotel operator for the 10th year in a row.

On the potential rebrand, Juliette Felton wrote: “Maybe it could do with a lick of paint, but there aren't many hotels in a seafront with entertainment every night and two restaurants where you can stay for less than £40 a night.”

Sue Ridgway added: “Stop knocking the Burstin please. It brings lots of people to our town.”

The Grand Burstin was built from the foundations of the Royal Pavilion Hotel, which itself was originally constructed in 1843.

Britannia Hotels has been contacted to ask about any potential rebrand.