PLANS for the first phase of major improvements to the Peebles Hydro have been submitted.

Leisure group Crieff Hydro bought both the Peebles Hydro and nearby Park Hotel last year.

Chief executive Stephen Leckie vowed to bring around £5 million of investment to the two businesses.

This week detailed plans for renovating the lobby and foyer areas were tabled with Scottish Borders Council.

A statement from the owner’s agent said: “Peebles Hydro will require, in the long term, serious investment to bring it to the standard that will be required.

“Initially they wish to carry out certain improvements to key areas to assist in creating a new identity.” As well as changing the entrance the owners are also upgrading bedrooms with new mattresses, televisions and other furnishings.

The agent added: “In addition there will be a radical change to the management procedures and general improvement in the running of the enterprise.

“With these initial works proposed and the improved management changes, they hope to improve the finances of the hotel and thereafter reinvest over a long period to bring it to the required standard.” Over the past 30 years the same owners have invested more than £30 million in the Crieff Hydro with ongoing improvement works and the addition of 55 self-catering units.

Annual accounts filed at Companies House at the end of last year showed revenue growing by more than six per cent from £17.7  million to £18.85 million in the 12  months to February 28.

Underlying profit before exceptional costs rose 4.8 per cent to £663,615.

However on a pre-tax basis the figure fell from £633,145 to £507,864 as a result of the acquisition of Peebles Hydro and the Park Hotel from McMillan Hotels.

Peebles Hotel Hydropathic opened in 1881.

It was completely rebuilt during 1906/07 following a major fire.