Shropshire Star

New Telford banqueting hall set to create 77 jobs

More than 70 jobs could be created by plans to transform a warehouse in Telford into an exhibition and banqueting hall.

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The pagoda outside one of Entanet's buildings at Stafford Park 6, Telford

The plans would convert the warehousing section of the existing Entanet building at Stafford Park, allowing it to be used for weddings, charity events and exhibitions.

The exhibition and banqueting hall would cater for up to 500 guests.

The development brings a promise of 77 new jobs, according to plans lodged by Excellency Midland Ltd, which recently bought the site.

The plans state that Shropshire-based communications provider Entanet will continue to occupy the offices in the middle of the building.

Excellency intends to use the eastern and southern end of the building as a banqueting suite and exhibition hall, with the vast majority of functions held on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are currently 145 car parking spaces which would increase to 255 under the plans, of which 12 will be disabled parking.

A report lodged with the planning application states: "The proposals will result in a more efficient use of the site and add around 35 full time and 42 part time jobs, contributing to the local economy.

"There are around 100 full time equivalent jobs in the office uses already located on the site, which will not alter as a result of this application.

"Excellency’s proposals meet a strong market need for a range of banqueting hall functions, particularly Asian weddings and other functions requiring a large amount of space for a single event.

"Competition is important in the market, particularly for events which customers may wish to be guaranteed to be self-contained and alcohol free.

Pagoda

"The unusual pagoda at the front of the building, together with the existing landscaping with its mature trees and ponds, makes this site well suited for a higher intensity use than its current warehousing function.

"The proposals maximise the economic opportunity represented by the existing site features, to increase the number of direct and indirect jobs provided in the local economy."

Excellency says it has an established and successful business providing banqueting hall and exhibition hall functions at its premises in Bolton, Lancashire.

The existing warehouse at the site at Stafford Park 6 in Telford would be fitted out internally with an entrance foyer and reception area, with ground-floor toilets.

A manager’s office would overlook the reception area and a kitchen and service area would be created.

The main event space and banqueting hall area would occupy the eastern end of the building and a new mezzanine floor above the entrance foyer would provide toilets, a prayer hall and additional storage.

There would also be parking available for 200 bikes.

A decision on the proposals is expected to be made by Telford & Wrekin Council in the upcoming months.