Fit out work at a brand new 115 bedroom Ramada Encore hotel in Leicester city centre is being completed this month ahead of its opening on 1 November. 

The venue, that will be managed by Akkeron Hotels Group will create 35 new full and part time jobs in the city and will become the 36th in the firm's rapidly growing portfolio across the UK from the Highlands to Plymouth and Bristol to East Anglia.

The seven storey hotel on Charles Street, formerly the Leicester headquarters of Norwich Union is the latest and biggest single investment in the up and coming cultural quarter of the city.

A total of £8m has been invested by local businessman and building owner Indi Johal and £60m turnover Akkeron Hotels Group. The project has seen otels, who will oprate Hoa complete overhaul of the 1970s building that will be operated by Akkeron Hotels Group under the Ramada Encore brand.

All of the 95 double and 20 twin bedrooms, six with full disabled access, are fitted with flat screen TVs, free wi-fi and hard line internet access, contemporary furnishings and full en-suite wet rooms.

"The hotel is at the heart of the city centre's regenerated cultural quarter, ideal for business travellers as well as leisure visitors to the area's tourist attractions and sporting venues.  In fact we are already seeing a great deal of interest from local businesses wishing to book high quality accommodation for guests and staff events during the run up to Christmas," commented general manager Henrik Jespersen.

The hotel also offers an all day restaurant and bar open to non-residents called 'The Hub' with access from street level as well as from the hotel lobby.

"The design and quality of the bedrooms rivals anything in the city already, and the restaurant and bar facilities will also boost the options available to local residents and commuters. We are really looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming guests whether they are here on business trips, watching football and rugby matches or visiting friends or relatives," added Ramada Encore Leicester sales manager Katie Edge.

In addition to the bedrooms and hospitality facilities, two meeting rooms with flexible space are also available for corporate and business customers, with capacity for up to 60 delegates in a theatre style meeting or 18 in a boardroom meeting.

"We have been inundated with applications from people seeking employment, and we have just completed our recruitment process that will see a total of 35 staff employed at the site once we are fully operational later in the year," said Henrik Jespersen.