A LANDMARK pub derelict for more than 10 years has undergone a multi-million pound transformation into one of the biggest hotels in east Kent.

It has taken just under a year to turn the old Prospect pub at the top of Minster Hill in Thanet into a 105 bedroom, three star rated Holiday Inn Express and on Thursday it was officially opened.

Chairman of Thanet Council, Cllr John Kirby,unveiled the new building during a celebration, attended by civic dignitaries and business leaders from around the isle.

The distinctive circular fronted Prospect was built in 1937 and designed by Oliver Hill, a leading architect of the inter wars era, and for decades was a popular drinking hole for airmen at nearby RAF Manston and villagers in Minster.

Although grade two listed, the building had been allowed to fall into serious disrepair since the late 1990s and when developers Geminex took over the site last February, work proved more challenging than originally thought.

Geminex has spent £9 million restoring the original part of the building and adding a large two storey block on the back for the hotel’s 105 bedrooms.

It now boasts three conference rooms, large bar and there is parking for more than 100 cars.

General manager is Dan Dennis, who takes charge after running the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge in the precincts for the past two years.

He said: "The old building was seriously derelict. There were very deep cellars underneath and no roof but what remained was still sound.

"We have created 45 new jobs and the hotel is now one of the largest in east Kent, catering for both business and leisure travellers."

Cllr Kirby described the Holiday Inn as rising again like a phoenix. He said: "This will bring back happy memories for many people and I am sure it will be a great success."

Mayor of Ramsgate, Cllr Steve Ward said: "The hotel is the first thing people see of Ramsgate on their way here from London. It’s a beautiful building and just shows the town is definitely on the up."