Wem hotel expansion to create new jobs

Improvements to The Old Rectory, in Lowe Hill Road, Wem, are currently under way, with work taking place inside the building and to create a new extension and marquee.

Owner Keith Hanmer said he decided to expand the well-known country house due to a successful summer, with increased demand for weddings and functions at the venue.

He said: "As part of the ongoing renovation of the coach house situated in the hotel grounds, we are now in the process of constructing a 200-square foot marquee to link that building to the main hotel.

"We have had an exceptional season, despite the current economic climate, hosting over 30 weddings this year, so this major investment will allow us to provide an even bigger and better service to our guests.

"The construction will feature a suspended base with under-floor heating and full air conditioning, have a small holding kitchen together with utilising the hotel's large adjoining kitchen, rather than relying on outside catering when using detached marquees in the grounds."

Selina Cuss, Mr Hanmer's daughter, is the general manager of the hotel.

She said the expansion will lead to new jobs although she said it was too early to say exactly how many.

Mrs Cuss said: "This is obviously a very exciting time for us. We hope the work will be completed in March or April and when it is it will mean we can cater for weddings with 100 people rather than 50 like we can now.

"This will obviously lead to further employment opportunities and we will be looking for front-of-house staff and kitchen staff as well. We will also need to employ more people to help on wedding days."

The mayor of Wem, Councillor Connie Granger, donned a hard hat to help launch the expansion.

She visited the venue last week to watch as work got under way on the Grade II-listed building.

She said: "The Old Rectory Hotel is an asset to the town and I am delighted to be supporting the owners in this new venture.

"It is simply wonderful to see such investment being made, which will provide yet another splendid amenity for the area."

She added: "And, of course, new employment opportunities can only be a good thing."

The hotel, which is set in four acres of secluded grounds, has won several national awards for hosting weddings, functions, business travellers and tourists.

For more information call (01939) 233233 or visit www.oldrectorywem.co.uk