An award-winning restaurant and wedding venue has revealed plans to build a boutique hotel on its site – representing a significant investment and creating an additional 25 jobs.
Aston Marina, near Stone, is proposing to build, manage and operate a 35-bedroom hotel to link its venue and restaurant with “premium” accommodation.
The business says there is a growing demand in the area for this facility and that the hotel will provide “significant scope” for business growth.
No exact figures have been put on how much will be invested into the hotel, but it is hoped that work on it can start in 2026.
Director Helen Clayton said: “The addition of a hotel to the marina has been something we have been planning for a long time – we believe it will be hugely popular not only with diners at our No.26 restaurant and wedding parties and business delegates from our venue The Boat House, but will also fill a gap in the market for quality, boutique hotel accommodation in Stone.
“This is part of a new phase of significant investment as we continue to strive to become a true destination venue for Staffordshire and the broader Midlands.
“We anticipate this will create an additional 25 new job roles for the local area and welcome the feedback from the ongoing public consultation on our plans.”
A public consultation event on the plans takes place at Aston Marina tomorrow (Tues 12) between 4pm and 7pm.
According to the brochure for the plans, the proposed hotel will feature premium wedding suites, comfortable business rooms, accessible rooms and family friendly accommodation over two floors.
It states: “In the increasingly competitive market of hospitality, weddings and conferences it is important for the business to be able to offer high quality accommodation to remain competitive and appealing to future clients.
“As a multi award winning establishment, it is important for us to continue to evolve with the demands of the industry.”
It adds: “The construction and operation of the hotel will have a positive ripple effect on the local community.
“Beyond the immediate economic benefits derived from increased tourism and patronage of local businesses by visitors staying longer and exploring further guaranteeing secondary sales throughout the county.
“Aston Marina is committed to sourcing locally, thereby supporting regional vendors and contributing to the growth of the local economy.”
Aston Marina currently employs more than 100 people, 90 per cent of which live within a 10-mile radius of the 42-acre estate.
Looks an eyesore. The rooftop lettering, ” HOTEL” , needs to be removed and the exterior is too grey.