When it comes to aesthetics, things looking good and enhancing the beauty of an area, businessman Julian Dunkerton is passionate about doing his bit.
The marquees outside his hotel, restaurant and gin bar at No. 131 have come under fire over the years for obscuring the Grade II buildings they stand in front of — but they've also ensured the viability of the business during challenging times.
Now, Julian has revealed two sets of plans for Cheltenham Borough Council to consider as permanent features to keep trade going long term.
SoGlos sits down with him to discover more about his reflections and aspirations for Cheltenham into the future.
What's your opinion on the area around No. 131?
When you walk into Imperial Gardens there is an array of historic metalwork, which I've taken into account in my designs.
What you also see at the back of Cheltenham Town Hall, a historic building, is a sub-standard marquee which shows what has been done before and been accepted. The signage quality of the Garden Bar is also poor.
Bosco Pizzeria is successful and that's because it has outside seating. Around the corner is Settebello which has another outside structure outside a historic building. What I want is a level playing field.
If you're facing No.131 and you look at the buildings to the right of it, they have all of these frontages, signages and parking that wouldn't be allowed in somewhere like Mayfair or Belgravia. It begs the question: what we should we allow to bring out the best of a property?
Are you proud of No. 131?
I've invested £18 million into the three buildings, bringing them to a world-class standard. I've done that because we love Cheltenham and intend to live here forever. We want to enhance the environment and have spent a lot of time restoring the railings.
We never intended to keep the marquees up, we know they are not fit for purpose. It was always a temporary measure. We know these are an incredibly important group of buildings for Cheltenham and they are part of our love affair with the town.
We believe we have come up with a proper plan that respects the town. Both designs allow you to see the building and we have been as sympathetic as we humanly can. We have even looked to Europe for inspiration because know it is fundamental that we deliver something special for Cheltenham — something that we can be proud of.
How healthy is the world of hospitality at the moment?
The Queen's Hotel is up for sale. The fact that this wonderful, historic building is in that position is indicative of what's happening.
Hospitality is labour intensive and it is hard to offer quality food within the current economy. The council needs to encourage hospitality to survive and prosper.
We've invested in the town we love but it is a difficult industry. We need to keep Cheltenham on the map and not let it wither on the vine.
Weddings are an integral part of our existence and a permanent building outside is needed for those weddings. Bookings are lower than they should be and we need to get to a solution quickly.
There are 130 jobs involved at No. 131 and without the terrace, business is potentially not viable.
Do you feel well supported by the town?
I came to Cheltenham when I was 20 and fell in love with it and built up my business and life here. I feel attached to it but I am worried about Cheltenham's planning process.
I invited 40 councillors to look at the plans and only one turned up, so I feel there's a risk of not being understood.
I believe Cheltenham could be a lot better, it could certainly look architecturally a lot better. We need to protect and evolve Cheltenham's style.
We have 13 local suppliers which means a lot to us. The impact of the planning decision is wide. I am hoping for a seamless deal so I can protect jobs and deliver what I want. If I don't get this over the line, my investment in Cheltenham will dry up.
I'm asking the public to support us, to say they want this to happen and to say this is important to Cheltenham and to believe in our beautiful terrace space.
We are trying to do something positive and not to bend the rules. All I have ever wanted is a proper plan.
What is that you love so much about Cheltenham?
I adore the Cotswolds aesthetic, it's architecturally stunning — like living in paradise, but you need enough people to create a business.
Cheltenham has the right number of people to be friendly and economically viable.
It has a cinema and theatre, things going on and great restaurants including a Michelin star restaurant which is lovely. And as beautiful as the Cotswolds is, it doesn't offer that.
I want to protect and nurture the heart of historic Cheltenham.
