Brockencote Hall unveils plans to expand facilities
A hotel on a country house estate near Kidderminster has unveiled major expansion plans to cater for larger wedding parties and conferences after turning away bookings.
Up to 12 new jobs will be created in the move at Brockencote Hall.
Bosses want to install an outdoor permanent marquee and more spacious facilities to enable them to cater for 200 guests at the venue based in Chaddesley Corbett, due to a lack of room for bookings of more than 80 people, which is losing the hotel thousands of pounds in business.
The venue is licensed for civil weding ceremonies and can accommodate up to 42 overnight guests.
Plans for the marquee have been submitted by owners Eden Hotel Collection to Wyre Forest District Council. The application states the hotel had received more than 30 inquiries from people interested in holding a function at the venue for in excess of 80 people.
It says the marquee style function room would help to "secure Brockencote Hall's place as a nationally recognised resort hotel".
Eden Hotel Collection bought the property for £3 million in 2011 and managing director Mark Chambers said: "Since we bought the hotel, it's gone from strength to strength. There's a huge demand for weddings in the high end market and we're trying to respond to that demand."
The new marquee would be able to accomodate 200 guests although the average party size would be for 150.
The proposals include an additional car park with 67 spaces.
Eden Hotel Collection has spent more than £1.5m restoring the 21-bedroom hotel, which currently employs 43 staff.
The hall, which is set in 70 acres of parkland, was previously owned by Joseph and Alison Petitjean.
A planning application has been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council and will be discussed by members within weeks.
