Shrewsbury hotel plan given go-ahead

Twenty jobs will be created at Shrewsbury's first boutique hotel after the £400,000 scheme was given the go ahead by planners, bosses said today.

The former Shropshire Dairies site in Frankwell, which has stood empty since last year, will now be transformed into a seven bedroom hotel, restaurant and bar.

It is due to open early next year.

The development is being carried out by the building's owner Stephen Kynaston, alongside Doug Blackmore of Frank Cafe Bar.

Shropshire architects DGA have created plans for the internal works plus a new front to the building to return it to its former glory - pre-dating the 1960s brick front currently on view.

It will be known as The Silverton Hotel and will feature five contemporary double and twin bedrooms and one large family bedroom. All bedrooms are en-suite.

Mr Blackmore today said the project would be carried out using local traders and would aim to attract more tourists to the town.

He said: "This is going to be an expensive project. We want to support the local economy throughout the development process rather than seeing the money invested leaving the town.

"This means using local architects, engineers, builders, electricians, plumbers, air-conditioning specialists and all other trades from the Shrewsbury area. We aim to create 20 jobs in the long-term.

"Our intention is to provide somewhere very special to stay for people coming to visit our historic town. We want to showcase the great things - food, drink, lifestyle etc that Shropshire has to offer so it makes sense to keep this in mind throughout the project."

One bedroom is being designed especially for wheelchair users.