Early opening hopes for Shrewsbury's new Premier Inn
A new £9 million Premier Inn in Shrewsbury will create more jobs than previously expected, bosses have revealed today.
The hotel, in Smithfield Road, will recruit about 55 staff. The figure is 15 more than originally estimated.
Construction work on the hotel is nearly complete – and bosses have revealed it could now open earlier than planned next month.
Planning permission for the 136-bedroom hotel was granted by the council in November 2011.
Council officials said that the hotel would help boost the viability of the town centre.
Lee Sharp, area manager for Premier Inn, said: "It is going to do wonders for tourism in the town.
"The hotel will also boost local bars and restaurants in the surrounding area," he added.
Bosses have now begun the recruitment process for the hotel.
They are working with Shrewsbury job centre to provide employment for young people who are not in education, employment or training.
A range of job opportunities are now on offer at the hotel.
These include cooks, bar staff, waiters, housekeepers and receptionists.
Construction work on the hotel, which lies on the site of the former Telephone House, began last February.
Under original plans the hotel was to have 127 bedrooms but its capacity has been increased to 136 bedrooms.
Mr Sharp said: "All the beds are in, it is now just being kitted out with soft furnishings.
"It should be ready to open by the end of February or early March.
"We are opening at just the right time in terms of the tourism season."
An information day was held at Theatre Severn yesterday to give potential employees the chance to find out more about jobs at the hotel.
Nicole Lissaman, who will be operations manager at the new hotel, and Rachel Newton, its new general manager, were on hand to interview hopefuls. Miss Newton said: "We are looking for housekeepers, bar and waiting on staff, chefs and receptionists."
Miss Newton added: "We have been working closely with the job centre to recruit locally. We are interested in providing opportunities for young people who are not in education, employment or training."
Bosses at the hotel will be holding a further open day at Theatre Severn on January 17, running from 10am to 6pm.
Anyone interested in one of the posts at the hotel is advised to visit Shrewsbury Job Centre in Princess Street or call 0845 604 3719.
