BUDGET hotel brand Travelodge has opened its second hotel in Dudley, creating 27 new jobs.

The £6million hotel in Discovery Way has been built in partnership with Dudley Council and Hinton Properties.

Boasting 78 rooms, the hotel is situated opposite the Dudley Archives Centre, on the former Royal Brierley Crystal factory - one of the oldest crystal glass manufacturers in England.

To celebrate the opening of the hotel and its role in supporting the town’s regeneration programme, Travelodge commissioned renowned local artist, William H. Burgess to create a bespoke piece of artwork entitled ‘Welcome to Dudley’.

The six foot tall artwork, on display in reception, showcases Dudley’s revolutionary transition from an industrial town to a top tourist destination.

It was unveiled at a celebratory champagne reception today (Thursday).

Hotel manager, Christine Cockburn, said: “We are delighted that William H Burgess has created a bespoke piece of artwork to celebrate the opening of our new hotel.

"It’s certainly a talking point and such a powerful visual that showcases Dudley’s transition from being the birth place of the industrial revolution to becoming a popular tourist destination over the last two centuries."

She added: “The hotel has got off to a flying start which is great news for the local economy as our research shows annually our customers will be spending over £2 million with local businesses.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who joined Craig Bonnar, Travelodge's chief operating officer, to open the hotel, added: "I am delighted that Travelodge are opening a new hotel in Dudley, bringing new jobs and more visitors to the area.

"I hope this will encourage more people to come to see some of the great attractions we have in the area and I wish Travelodge a successful future.”