New boss checks in at the Bower Hotel

NEW owners at the Bower Hotel in Chadderton are transforming the business and creating a whole new atmosphere around the 74-bedroom former Swallow Group property.

For several months now Phil Healey and his wife Linn have been quietly changing the Hollinwood Avenue business after investing around £1.5million to acquire the former Victorian manor house.

The pair have been looking to acquire a property for some time to complement their hospitality and catering-training business.

The Healeys have relocated the Total Academy — which trades as www.bluetraining.org — from rented space at Salford Quays to the former Kershaw’s Suite at the hotel.

Mr and Mrs Healey have run Total Academy for five years and, in their short time in Oldham, have trained and placed 18 under 18-year-olds in full time jobs.

“We deliver trained people who can add value to a business from day one,” Mr Healey said.

Although specialising in the hotel, catering and associated industries, Total Academy also works with employers in the retail, warehousing trades and offers leadership and management training courses.

Mr Healey (42) added: “We have big plans to transform the whole experience, whether people are staying, visiting us for a drink or meal or using our function space.”

The Byron Suite, one of the main function rooms, overlooking the rear lawn, has undergone a huge transformation and has been redecorated and had an impressive new bar fitted out.

When finances allow, he intends to relocate the the main restaurant into the Shelley Suite and create a spacious, comfortable lounge area and new reception.

“Ultimately we would like to add a pool and other leisure facilities, but that is down the line and is dependent on planning permission and working with our neighbours,” added Mr Healey.

“We want to invest in this hotel and offer a five-star service at three-star cost.’

Craig Cockcroft, from Chadderton, previously the assistant, has been appointed general manager and has responsibility for the day-to-day running of the hotel and the 60 full and part-time staff.