One of Aberdeen’s top hotels is to undergo a major expansion in a move expected to create new jobs and increase capacity by more than 50%.
The Granite Suite at the Chester Hotel, owned by Graham and Gillian Wood, already has its own dedicated private entrance and bar facilities.
But under new plans to extend the function room, it will increase maximum numbers from the current limit of 200 to 320 for a conference set up.
Work on the extension plans are due to get underway in late December and are expected to be completed in spring.
The hotel will continue to operate as normal during the construction work, but the ballroom with be closed for several months early in the new year.
Stephen Gow, general manager at the venue said: “The Chester Hotel has become one of the region’s leading corporate events venues, and although we are already one of the largest venues in the city, the decision to expand was made in response to a growing number of enquiries from event organisers looking for a quality venue with increased capacity.
“This will give us one of the biggest hotel event spaces in Aberdeen, and we believe it will fill a significant gap in the market. However, the flexibility that we can offer with various configurations for the ballroom – in addition to our private dining rooms – allows us to host events of all sizes.”
The Woods opened The Chester in 2014 following a £5 million refurbishment and the latest extension plans are part of a major extension earmarked for the building .
Last year Mr Wood, son of Aberdeen tycoon Sir Ian Wood, announced they had also purchased the neighbouring Hamilton School buildings.
At the time of buying the granite villas, the site had planning permission for an extension which would have significantly increased the footprint of the buildings and provided 90 bedrooms in total. The hotel is currently planning a smaller revamp which they believe will be more in keeping with the character of the Category B listed buildings.
It is thought the refurbishment of the Granite Suite, along with the proposed extension into 55-57 Queen’s Road, will create at least 20 additional full and part-time jobs.