Member Article

Oldham's Hotel Future prospects looking bright

Oldham Council and its partners in the private sector have been updated on the progress of a project aimed at creating a unique training environment for the hospitality industry.

Currently, the final legal, technical and financial aspects of the project are close to being finalised.

The project, called Hotel Future, aims to develop the next generation of hospitality professionals at a luxury 141-bedroom training academy hotel in Oldham Town Centre.

The council has been working with the Manchester Hoteliers Association, Oldham College and other education providers to realise this ambitious vision.

The development – expected to open at the start of 2016 – will be the first under the Hotel Future brand which aspires to open similar developments across the country.

The existing Queen Elizabeth Hall is an integral part of the plans and will be transformed into a state-of-the-art conference facility with an adjoining enclosed glass walkway.

The plans would also see the Council Chamber upgraded so that it can be used for events other than Council meetings in line with the Local Authority’s new co-operative approach to assets, which include opening access so they can host a range of other events for community benefit.

Following Cabinet’s approval tonight (December 2) negotiations with a preferred developer* can now be concluded.

This landmark regeneration scheme is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, inward investment and employment opportunities to the Borough.

Its focus will be on the leisure market including sports, Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and corporate events.

The venue will provide a world-class institution for young people from Oldham and across Greater Manchester to gain new skills and employment opportunities.

The project has already attracted high-profile supporters, with David Cameron publicly expressing his backing for the scheme last autumn.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Hotel Future will be so much more than the fully operational commercial luxury hotel that Oldham needs.”

“It will have all the facilities you would expect from a top star-rated hotel – including conferencing, health club and spa, bars, restaurant and fine dining – but will also offer fantastic new training and life opportunities that are vital for young local residents.

“Hotel Future is an ambitious scheme that will put Oldham on the map in the hospitality trade and also provide a range of significant benefits to the local and regional economy.

“It fully complements our wider regeneration plans to transform what is on offer in Oldham Town Centre to residents, visitors and businesses and we’re continuing to work extremely closely with a range of partners, including the Manchester Hoteliers Association, to realise this exciting vision.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .