Millions of pounds are set to be invested in the award-winning Telford Golf and Country Club Hotel after it was bought by a leading hotel group.

The Sutton Heights complex has been bought by Leeds-based QHotels Group for an undisclosed sum, it was revealed yesterday.

Andrew Simpson, hotel manager, said the fast-growing leisure chain was planning a huge investment and extension which could bring a significant increases in staff at the site.

There will be a £5 million refurbishment due for completion by December next year, he said.

Mr Simpson said QHotels would return the club to the high status and success it enjoyed in the early 1980s.

Previous owners, Swallow Hotels, went into administration two months ago. It was then bought by Oxford Hotels and Management, which has sold it to QHotels.

“Michael Purtill, managing director, gave a presentation to staff last Friday and stated there would be a £5 million refurbishment,” said Mr Simpson.

“Obviously I am delighted the golf and country club will become a prime hotel and golf centre as it was in the early 1980s. QHotels are making a huge investment because of the potential they see in the centre.

“It will be good for us and good for Shropshire to have a prime four-star plus operator here. We expect to be improving our level of service before any structural work, which is planned to begin in February. We hope to increase the staffing level as we increase the standard level and business level.”

QHotels now has 22 properties and grew by more than 140 per cent in less than a week when it bought the Telford club and Marston Hotels’ 13 sites.

A company spokesman said: “The hotel currently has 96 bedrooms, an 18-hole golf course, conference facilities for up to 200 and gym and pool amenities.”

By Dave West