Largs: Lounge to be re-named '33' as takeover deal completed

The historic sandstone building in Main Street was recently acquired by 'Project 33' - a business run by a couple with long-term links to the town.

The acquisition was completed last month after a deal was struck with previous owner Stephen McDonald, who has won multiple awards with Lounge bar, restaurant, club and roof terrace.

Phase one will see the bar, restaurant and nightclub renovated, with an anticipated reopening in April or May of next year.

Phase two, a boutique hotel with between seven and nine rooms on the second and third floors, will start next year and it's hoped will be ready to open in 2025.

The couple behind Project 33 entrepreneurs Kevin and Janet Cumings, who have recently been living in Zambia.

Janet was raised in Largs from the age of seven, and married Kevin, who hails from South Africa, 25 years ago.

Janet worked as cabin crew with British Airways and travelled the world when she met Kevin.

And their long term friend, Largs resident Walter Smith MBE, is acting as project consultant and overseeing the resurrection of the building.

Walter said: "Kevin is an entrepreneur in Zambia and owns a number of logistics businesses including records management for companies such as banks and government institutions, and international relocations.

"He had thought about acquiring a business in Scotland because of his family connections and the fact he has been here so often. Lounge was up for sale, so it seemed too good an opportunity to miss, and we finalised the deal last month.

"The building needs a significant investment over the two stages, and including the cost of purchase of the property, we are looking at a six figure investment in total, and we are very much looking forward to bringing the building back to the forefront since its closure in 2020.

"It is a listed building, so there are certain requirements, and the first major thing that is going to happen is that the windows will be replaced and will be double glazed.

"Inside there is a lot of the original wood panelling which will be restored or maintained in a manner in keeping with the history of the building while incorporating a modern feel.

"While there will certainly be some modernising in design, the intention is for the building to invoke the feeling of connection to its history with some impact for those entering for the first time, and to maintain a similar sense throughout.

"The bar will be elevated with new features with new and renovated furniture in the restaurant.

"The historic fireplace will remain as per the listed building requirement, while the inside dome area as you walk up the staircase at the front will also be fully restored."

The nightclub will also re-open at the weekends.

Local tradesmen have also been called in as the restoration work gets under way.

Walter said: "We are already using local tradesmen or North Ayrshire contractors for the work.

"We are keeping all the business local and expect to create new and exciting employment opportunities for a whole range of age groups, including a management team.

"We also hope enterprising Largs Academy students will also get opportunities."

The 'Project 33' name refers both to its street address - 33-43 - and to the combined longitudes of Largs and Lusaka, the Zambian city where Janet and Kevin live.

The number 33 associated with the building refers back to its’ street address and the combined longitudes of Largs and Lusaka (the city in Zambia where Janet and Kevin live.

It's also a number associated with good luck.

Asked about the future plans for the bar and restaurant, Walter said: "Bringing back a nightclub is a big vision - and that will drive business into pubs as people will want to stay out.

"It has been a big gap in the market, lost to Largs residents for some time, which will hopefully be a boost to the night-time economy locally.

"The boutique hotel will be aimed at tourists who want to visit Largs and Millport such as golf tourists, spillovers from weddings in other local hotels.

"There is quite a vision in this. The second and third floors haven't been used for a very long time, so that will also be very exciting to see going forward.

"We are working on plans to boost the roof terrace facility, ensuring a vibrant and atmospheric summer venue.

"It is great that we have now managed to get the ball rolling. People will see the restoration works continuing over the weeks and months ahead before the big official opening in the spring - and we can't wait."