Hotel for the future

DECIDING on the best way forward for Hotel Future is about deciding what’s best for the people of Oldham — that’s the message from council leader Jim McMahon.

Cabinet members approved a report examining possible ways to progress with the hospitality training academy which would be the UK’s first, next to the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The hall, which houses events and conferences throughout the year, will now stay open until spring, 2016, as an investigation showed it is best to wait to open the hotel until other town-centre projects, such as the new cinema and leisure centre, are complete. Cabinet members agreed that the hospitality training facility is still the best way forward but the scheme is dependent on government funding.

Councillor McMahon said: “I am not bothered whether this happens yesterday or tomorrow, I just want it done right for the people of Oldham. We need to make sure the correct funding is in place and it holds up to intense scrutiny.”

When complete, it is expected that the hotel will create 110 new jobs and boost Oldham’s economy by around £4.7 million each year.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall was originally due to close in March.