Judas Priest star KK Downing unveils Astbury Hall luxury hotel plans

Multi-million pound plans to build a hotel and leisure complex in the grounds of former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing's Shropshire estate were today unveiled.

The Grammy Award-winning guitarist said dozens of jobs would be created as a result of the ambitious development at his stately home near Bridgnorth.

The proposals for the 320-acre Astbury Hall estate include a 63-room hotel, indoor swimming pool, spa and a top class restaurant.

Mr Downing – who quit the metal band last April after 40 years – said the hotel and leisure facilities would tie in with plans to attract some of the world's best golfers and competitions to his course on the site.

He said: "I am speaking to various corporations about investment and I'm optimistic we can start pushing through with the plans for development this year.

"The next step is putting together all the costing of everything, which includes the golf, practice areas and purpose built clubhouse – as well as the hotel, leisure and spa facilities.

"I'm 60 years old now so I really want to get things completed – that's always been the endgame."

Mr Downing said confidence in the market seemed to be growing.

"When it comes to the vision I know exactly what I want to do but once we develop the hotel and leisure side of things I'll need to bring in professionals to run the operation because it's impossible to do it on your own," he said.

"We proved last year Astbury is financially viable and no doubt has the potential to be a fantastic and much needed development for the local area.

"The aim is to be a flagship sports and leisure facility to seriously put Bridgnorth and the surrounding areas on the map, not just nationally but internationally.

"I have spent most of my own personal fortune on this. It's been hard work but also rewarding and enjoyable to see it grow and grow, but I'm now keen to speed up the process.

"I think the golf course is the best around, with the nearest in similar quality being The Belfry."

See also:

• Judas Priest star KK Downing’s cars spark bidding fury

• Shropshire guitarist KK Downing quits Judas Priest