Hotel intent on massive marquee for parties

Managers at the Cedar Court Grand are looking to expand the business to cater for large wedding groups and Christmas and New Year parties with the introduction of the giant structure to the rear of the Grade II listed building.

A planning application has been submitted to York Council and the proposals are expected to be given the go-ahead by councillors on Thursday next week.

Cedar Court Hotels' group director, John Horvath, said: "Whilst we don't want to prejudice the council's decision, we are encouraged to hear that our plans for a temporary marquee on the terrace have been recommended for approval.

"We have consulted with partners at the council and English Heritage throughout the development of Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa and the marquee has received a lot of support in the wider York community.

"If approved, the marquee will be a stunning venue for weddings, functions and parties for groups of up to 220 people, making it a fantastic new addition to York's event product."

The lay-out of the 107-bedroom hotel means that there is currently not enough space to host functions for more than 110 people,

The marquee is expected to be only a temporary structure and will be put up between June and September and then from December to January, for a period of three years.

Planning officers say that if the trial proves successful a permanent structure could then be created.

The city's tourism partnership, Visit York, has backed the proposals and English Heritage has not objected, although officials called for a strict time limit on the temporary marquee.

The Grand, which is aiming to become York's first five-star hotel, opened in May in the historic former railway headquarters in Station Rise. A fifth-floor penthouse suite overlooking York Minster costs up to 900 a night.