Bedford's Swan Hotel owners submit last planning application as part of £5million refurbishment

Since the Distinct Group bought the iconic 18th century hotel on The Embankment two years ago, it has been busy updating the venue - refurbishing the public spaces, the functions rooms, the bedrooms and the Pen & Cob brasserie.

And now, as part of its last planning application to Bedford Borough Council, it is proposing to refurbish the spa and reposition the hotel main entrance.

Gareth Leakey, managing director of the Distinct Group, said: "The spa is the final phase. We also want to relocate the reception to the middle of the hotel. And we are planning new treatment rooms, new pool facilities, saunas and steam room within the spa.

"As part of it is listed, we need to retain the beauty of The Swan."

And he added, after a previous successful planning application, all 113 bedrooms should be refurbished in time for the River Festival too.