The Midland Hotel overlooking Morecambe Bay in Lancashire, the Britain's only surviving art deco hotel, is to be restored to its former glory.

Built in the 1930s by the London Midland & Scottish Railway to revitalise the Victorian resort, the hotel has fallen into disrepair over the last five years.

Venture capital firm, Kalber Leisure, bought the property last June and now plan to reinstate it as a luxury five star hotel with an investment of £9.6m. The company has worked closely with English Heritage, Lancaster Council and local community interest groups, to ensure restoration plans respect the hotel's art deco design. Plans include a 3-storey extension to house a leisure centre and conference facilities, and staff will dress in period costume to complete the effect.

The Midland is Kalber Leisure's flagship hotel and the company is currently looking for other investment opportunities throughout the country.