A KIDDERMINSTER hotel has transformed its disused swimming pool into a new outdoor space in a £100,000 project.

Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel & Restaurant, in Stone, has unveiled the area named The Pump Rooms which will be used for weddings, barbecues and other activities.

The swimming pool at the four-star country manor hotel had been empty for the past two years.

Robert Elliot, sales manager at Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel & Restaurant and Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant in Solihull, said: “The swimming pool had not been used and it was filled with rain water and leaves.

“When we took over the hotel in February, joint-owners Helena and Andy Hogarth and group general manager Steven Quick decided there was a big opportunity to make it a much more useful space.

“It has been transformed into an outdoor area for weddings, team-building activities, pre-dinner reception drinks and corporate BBQs so it has multiple uses.

“The response has been fantastic. We held our first wedding there at the end of August and we already have 40 bookings for weddings at Stone Manor next year with ten of those using the outdoor space.

“Our figures are showing that next year we are expecting a huge growth in companies booking team-building activities and bookings for leisure guests.

“We are planning to make more outdoor leisure activities available to our guests so they can enjoy the outdoor space Hogarths Stone Manor is so lucky to have.”

Robert said the response from guests invited to the official launch of The Pump Rooms following its six-figure investment had been extremely encouraging.

He added: “We invited businesses ranging from local cake suppliers to large corporate travel agents and the fact the sun was shining meant the outdoor space was looking at its best.

“Drinks were served in The Pump Rooms, there was a BBQ and games on the patio and a conference suite was set-up as if a Christmas party was taking place.

“It was a really great evening as past, present and hopefully future customers enjoyed our hospitality as well as having the chance to see the new outdoor space.”