Businesses in Croydon are eagerly awaiting the opening of a new hotel which looks set to bring a boost to the town's commerce community.

The long-awaited Jury's Inn is aiming for a grand opening later this year and developers are confident it will bring more business to the area, as well as strengthen Croydon's

commerce activity.

With construction already underway, the hotel's owners, the Jury's Doyle Hotel Group, are spending £15m to bring the much-needed 240 bed spaces to the centre of Croydon.

The finished development will not only offer the much-needed affordable bed space but developers also predict it will elevate the town's image as the economic and social centre of south London.

Pat McCann, chief executive of the Jury's Doyle Hotel Group, said: "We have secured a tremendous site in this busy location which will be ideal for a Jury's Inn.

"It fits our criteria perfectly given that Croydon is an active, year round hub of commercial and leisure activity and is served by excellent transport systems into the centre of London with travel time to London Victoria only 15 minutes."

The development, which was given full planning permission nine months ago, is situated on Wellesley Road, in the heart of Croydon's bustling business community.

Patricia Cahalane, investment manager for Croydon Council, says there is a severe shortage of affordable hotel beds for businesses in the centre of town.

She said: "We know from consultation with Croydon's business community that there is a real need for basic hotel accommodation in the borough, especially in the town centre, for businesses.

"At the top end of the scale, we have the Selsdon Park Hotel but there is a lack of affordable bed space in the borough. The location is so close to Gatwick that it will also be an ideal stop-off for travellers using the airport.

"We not only offer 240 air-conditioned rooms, but there will also be meeting room for medium-sized conferences and business meetings, as well as a pub and restaurant.

"Jury's Inn will be a welcome addition to Croydon's business community."

The Jury's Inn opening is planned for autumn this year.

November 13, 2001 16:31