'Reopened hotel is a sign of confidence in city'

When you arrive in Wolverhampton from the railway station, one of the first major buildings you will see when walking into the city is the Britannia Hotel.

However, for five years, tourists who wanted a room in the 135-year-old Victorian building would not be able to book one.

The hotel was closed in 2021 in order to provide emergency accommodation to people seeking asylum.

But on Monday, that changed when the Britannia Hotel reopened to the public, as the government winds down its hotel occupancy programmes for asylum seekers.

Ninder Johal, the chair of the city's investment board, said it was another sign of investment in the city centre.

"It's great for the public realm, for confidence, for jobs. It's a sign of confidence in the city of Wolverhampton," he said.

"I think it's a statement Wolverhampton and the Britannia are supporting the sector which has been hit hard recently."

Johal said most people who travelled, especially for business, would want to go to a hotel within walking distance of the railway station, which he thought was great for investment.

He also believes it will bring more jobs into the city, particularly for young people looking for the first step in their careers.

While staff would have been employed at the building whilst it was accommodating asylum seekers, Johal said different types of jobs would be needed now it was open as a hotel for the public.

"There are different types of person you need to employ, it's a different level of hospitality," he said.

Raj Kandola, the chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, believes it will help support the local economy.

"It's really positive to see the Britannia Hotel reopening its doors to visitors and the investment that has gone into refurbishing a landmark Victorian building in the heart of Wolverhampton," he said.

"More hotel rooms in the city centre means more people staying, spending and seeing what Wolverhampton has to offer, whether they're here for business, a match at Molineux, a show at the Grand Theatre or to visit the University.

"That spend supports the hospitality businesses, shops and venues that are so important to the city centre economy.

"We look forward to welcoming the hotel back into the city's business community."

Prakash Sivarajan, the director of Britannia Hotels Group, said the reopening represented a new chapter in the life of the hotel.

"Britannia Wolverhampton Hotel is a magnificent building and we're pleased to share a look at the extensive refurbishment that has taken place over the past few months," he said.

"Our aim was to create a welcoming environment for both business and leisure visitors and offer the comfort and convenience that guests today expect."

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