A GREENOCK hotel is creating 10 new jobs as part of its expansion plans.

The Custom House Hotel, formerly the Bay Hotel, is creating a new 150-seated wedding function suite and a honeymoon suite and spa bath.

Owners are looking to recruit a mixture of staff including kitchen, bar, reception workers and chambermaids to complement the existing 12-strong team.

Business consultant John McLeary, right, who works for the investment team that owns the business, said: “This is a three-figure major investment.It’s a really exciting time and I’m very optimistic about the future.

“The hotel is in a prime location at Custom House Quay with its breathtaking backdrop which will prove very popular for wedding day shoots.”

Mr McLeary says the firm is also committed to investing in the community and has previously worked with organisations who help disabled people find work.

He said: “We are presently in discussions with various teams within Greenock job centre plus who are going to help support our recruitment campaign.

“The hotel management team overseeing the upgrade has used, where possible, local companies.

“The major outfitting is being done by a local property and maintenance company, who use local tradesmen through their own sub-contract procedures.”

An employment fayre is planned to help fill the vacancies.

Mr McLeary said: “We’ve worked with the Shaw Trust and local employers and Scottish Association for Mental Health, or SAMH, in the past. 

“It’s about investing in the local community — I believe Inverclyde employers have a moral obligation to take on local people.”