CLACTON'S famous Royal Hotel is to be auctioned off for a guide price of between £800,000 and £1million.

The Victorian landmark, in Marine Parade East, is under refurbishment and was due to open un August last year, but works were delayed at the site.

London-based Allsop said it will now be auctioning the hotel on July 13.

The hotel was featured last year on Channel 4’s Hotel Rescue, which showed businessman Michael Chittenden’s plans to restore the rundown hotel to its former glory.

Mr Chittenden was unavailable for comment, but the hotel's website said the “restoration project is currently on hold”.

Allsop auctioneers said the hotel, which was built in 1872, is for sale along with its car park in Colne Road.

The hotel has permission for part demolition and refurbishment to form an extended 25-bed hotel with 47 residential apartments, as well as up to seven shops, a bar and restaurant.

The auctioneer's website said: “We understand the building has been unoccupied since approximately 1995 and has subsequently fallen into disrepair.”

Pierre Oxley, chairman of Clacton's Chamber of Trade and Tourism, said: “I hope someone takes it on and finishes off the refurbishment as soon as possible.

“A lot of money has already been spent on bringing the hotel back up to standard.

“The Royal Hotel is a landmark for Clacton and is a focal point for the seafront area.

“It will be fantastic to get it up and running quickly, especially as the Pavillion site across the road is now under refurbishment.”

The auction will take place at the Cumberland Hotel, Great Cumberland Place, London, on July 13.