Jobs fit for Kings Dock

TWO new waterfront hotels next to Liverpool`s ECHO Arena will create more than 100 jobs.

The Jurys Inn and Staybridge Suites - which are currently under construction at Kings Dock - will open their doors to guests later this year.

The three-star Jurys Inn will create 80 full-time jobs and has already begun recruiting operations and front-of-house staff.

The hotel, which will face the public square at Kings Dock, will house 10 meeting rooms, a bar, restaurant and a coffee bar.

Staybridge Suites is looking to employ about 30 people and the US chain, which is opening its first European hotel, said they will be looking to give the jobs to those living locally.

The hotel will have more than 130 rooms, mainly designed with guests staying for a slightly longer break in mind, moving away from the traditional hotel room image to create a more homely feel.

The two hotels have a lucrative potential customer base, with regular events at the Arena and corporate conferences at the nearby BT convention centre bringing in a steady flow of visitors throughout the week.

John Wagner, vice-president of Staybridge Suites, said: “We feel it is very important to employ local people in our hotel, as no-one knows the city quite like they do.

“We want each Staybridge Suites hotel to take on its own personality, and our people will be key in doing that.”

Jim Gill, chief executive of regeneration organisation Liverpool Vision, said: “This development is starting to bring real economic benefits, we are seeing the creation of new jobs in the city centre.

“The 110 jobs being created by Jurys Inn and Staybridge Suites are significant, particularly when added to the jobs already created by the arena and convention centre.

“Kings Dock will ultimately sustain around 2,100 jobs on site, and many more times that figure in the city and beyond.”