Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
City hotel’s restaurant to help create 25 jobs
DUNDEE’S newest hotel has announced it is to create another 25 jobs.
The Hampton By Hilton is scheduled to open in September at West Marketgait, having initially aimed for an opening in June.
Today, sales manager Derek Miller said he was “undeterred” by the delay — and announced the creation of a further 25 jobs thanks to a restaurant and bar expansion.
The four-star facility — which is set to create a total of 75 jobs — will be made up of 105 rooms, two meeting rooms, gym, bar and a restaurant.
Derek, 39, said: “The project has been delayed due to our desire for perfection and the fact we’ve added a new restaurant and bar to the build.
“The restaurant and bar will provide a great new facility for people here in Dundee.
“And we won’t just be catering for hotel guests.
“That’s why we wanted it to be right from the beginning.
“If that meant delaying the project somewhat, then it was a decision which had to be made.
“But it’s one that ultimately will benefit tourism in the area and benefit the people who live here in the city, too.”
Derek is currently overseeing training operations as 14 new recruits are put through their paces.
He said: “Training is full steam ahead.
“Staff will be getting trained in all aspects of the hotel, whether that’s checking customers in and out, or helping in the breakfast area.
“The staff today are familiarising themselves with the checking-in system.
“We’re delighted with the development of the restaurant and bar area and the increase in the number of vacancies it will bring to Dundee.
“There are currently positions to apply for in the bar and restaurant area, and we have four vacancies within the hotel as well.”
Derek, who has been involved with the project for the past year, said he was in full support of the Tele’s Let’s Get Dundee Working campaign.
The drive is aimed at trying to create new opportunities for people who are struggling to find employment and highlighting opportunities that already exist.
“Once we get ourselves up and running we will be looking to offer work experience placements and we will be working closely with Dundee and Angus College within their hospitality sector,” said Derek.
“We have also been liaising with the career centre in Dundee as we look to develop young people’s career opportunities.”
Customers have already been making i nquiries about the hotel.
He added: “We understand customers are eager to use the facilities and we truly believe that the opening in September will be worth the wait.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from businesses in the area and they are looking forward to us opening our doors.
“We firmly believe there’s a demand out there.”