TWENTY jobs will be created when a budget hotel opens its doors in Stourbridge.

The ambitious £9.5million development will see the four-acre former Cox Hire site, off Birmingham Street, transformed into a Premier Inn and Brewer's Fayre restaurant.

Whitbread PLC has announced that the 80-bedroom hotel will open on December 1, with jobs available across all platforms.

Emily Weaver, who will be the general manager of the hotel, said: “At Premier Inn we want to be able to offer our customers value for money wherever they plan on staying, even a prime location like Stourbridge.

"The hotel offers customers an abundance of nearby attractions and things to do in the area."

Dudley's deputy leader, Councillor Pete Lowe has welcomed the news of a jobs boost within the town.

He said: "I think it is excellent news and shows we work wherever we can towards positive regeneration in the area.

"It's great that 20 jobs will be created within the Premier Inn but I hope people stopping over will use the opportunity to visit Stourbridge town centre and that it will stimulate trade, not just for the shops but for the pubs and clubs too.

"It's a real win-win situation."

In addition to the restaurant, the development will also include a drive-through unit and 122 car parking spaces.