Business

£7m Holiday Inn Express brings 44 new jobs to Derry

Toasting the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express in Derry are (from left) general manager Stephen Redden, operations manager Emmett McErlane and Patricia Campbell, IHG director of new hotel openings (Europe)
Toasting the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express in Derry are (from left) general manager Stephen Redden, operations manager Emmett McErlane and Patricia Campbell, IHG director of new hotel openings (Europe) Toasting the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express in Derry are (from left) general manager Stephen Redden, operations manager Emmett McErlane and Patricia Campbell, IHG director of new hotel openings (Europe)

A NEW Holiday Inn Express has opened its doors in Derry as part of a £7 million investment creating 44 jobs.

The Strand Road facility has 119 rooms, making it the second largest hotel in the city.

Phase one of the development will focus on the opening of the hotel, with plans to add another 31 bedrooms by the end of the year.

A second phase will elevate the hotel offering by introducing a brand-new bar and restaurant, while phase three will see the development of 25 self-catering apartments in 2020, ideal for corporate events or longer stays.

General manager Stephen Redden said: “The hotel brings a fresh and exciting dimension to the city’s accommodation offering.

“We're proud to generate so many local jobs, and are confident we will be adding to the vibrancy of Strand Road, complementing the many emerging and existing businesses in the vicinity.”

The hotel is part of the IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies representing 17 brands with more than 5,600 partner hotels worldwide.

It offers an Express Start breakfast included in the rate for all guests. In addition, super connected bedrooms offer amenities such as smart TVs, blackout blinds and a choice of pillows. The hotel has two meeting rooms for small board meetings, interviews or brainstorming sessions.