Expansion plans in pipeline at historic Shropshire hotel
Just over 25 years ago an historic hotel in the heart of a Shropshire World Heritage site was operating as a six-bedroom B&B.
But now more than two decades on bosses are preparing for a major expansion to increase the number of rooms at the Best Western Valley Hotel in Ironbridge to 70.
The new development has been made possible after planning permission was secured from councillors.
And bosses are expecting the extension, adding 26 rooms, to move a step closer to reality in 2013.
The move will also bring a jobs boost to the area with extra staff needed throughout the award-winning hotel.
Staff are already celebrating an increased number of rooms booked over 2012 with bookings up on 2011.
Joanne Boddison, general manager, said: “We were delighted to get planning permission for the development. It will transform the hotel, which attracts visitors from across the country.
“We have all worked hard over the years to expand the hotel and its services to give our guests the best experience possible.
“If people enjoy their stay at the Best Western Valley Hotel then they will return. That can only be good for us and other businesses across Shropshire.
“The extra bedrooms are a really important step for us and will help to build on the growing success of the hotel.
“We are already seeing more and more people wanting to book rooms here.
“Now we will be able to cater for even more guests which will in turn help the area and tourism.
“It is important that all the businesses support each other to attract more tourists.”
The expansion is the culmination of years of hard work by owners Phillip and Lesley Casson to turn the hotel into one of the best in the area.
The Casson’s bought the property in the late 1980s and it operated as a six-bed B&B.
Over the years they have carried out extensive work to create more and more rooms.
The new bedrooms will be built next to the existing property with an internal link to the main hotel facilities. The project will also mean an extension to the restaurant.
The luxury hotel’s Chew Maw restaurant and award winning chef, Barry Workman, also attracts locals to dine throughout the week.
