Next step of Shropshire hotel's £2 million plan backed

The Albrighton Hall Hotel, on Ellesmere Road, near Shrewsbury, has been given permission to begin the next phase of development by upgrading the hotel entrance and extending the bar area.

The permission comes just months after owners announced an ambitious scheme to rejuvenate the Mercure Shrewsbury hotel.

The 18th century four-star hotel is in the top eight per cent of listed buildings and will begin the next phase in January.

Hotel general manager Jennifer Sibbald-Wall said: "The next stage of this major project to refurbish the hotel will include an extension to the entrance and alterations to the main bar and lounge to create more seating space.

"The Mallard Suite will also be refurbished to create a small conference/function room for up to 40 guests."

Work on the entrance is due to start at the beginning of January and should take around four weeks to complete.

Mrs Sibbald-Wall said: "One of the biggest elements of this project is to upgrade the hotel in a sympathetic way which really emphasises the natural beauty of the historic building.

"As a result a lot of time has been spent on choosing the right stonework for the extended entrance to make sure it is in keeping with the original property.

"As an added feature we plan to recreate the original owners shield in mosaic form and this will be displayed on the outside wall to the entrance. It should look fabulous. Once the new entrance is complete, work to transform and extend the bar will start.

"It will almost double in size and will provide a lovely setting for a quiet drink, private dinner, conference or small celebratory event."

Work started on phase one of the project began earlier this year which included essential maintenance works such as roof repairs, replacing boilers and air conditioning. Work to fully update the main function suite for weddings and events has also been completed and the hotel's two bridal suites have been fully refurbished.

The driveway has been relaid and the gardens landscaped and just weeks ago saw the completion of the leisure club and spa's refurbishment.

The four star hotel was built in 1630 and has an ornamental lake and 15 acres of grounds.

The 18th Century hotel was acquired by Peter Cashman a year ago.

The businessman, who is also chief executive of Focus Hotels which manages Madeley Court Hotel in Telford, brought the hotel with a vision of transforming it to reveal its true potential.