Corby hotel bought out by London-based group

The Rockingham Forest Hotel has been sold by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co to Ashley Hotels.

The buyer’s plans are not yet known but the hotel has capacity to increase its offering by an additional 35 bedrooms, subject to planning permission.

Lee Howard, regional director for Christie & Co’s Midlands & Anglia region, said: “This is a unique property with huge potential for a new operator to develop the hotel’s already large and diverse offering.

“This is a great acquisition for the purchaser’s continued expansion and investment outside of London and shows the nationwide appeal of the Midlands for hotel operators.

“There is high demand for venues with this kind of capacity for private functions such as weddings, entertainment such as theatre and live music and conferences for businesses and industry – both in the Midlands as well as the rest of the UK.”

The 71-bedroom recently refurbished hotel, two miles from the town centre, caters for business clientele as well as visitors to the Rockingham Speedway and other local attractions and events.

It also has large conference suites which can cater for up to 400 people, lounges, a bar and restaurant, staff accommodation, car parking for 120 vehicles and a stage for live performances.

The venue also has a growing reputation for the Asian wedding market thanks to the popular Rockingham Suite.

The staff are due to remain in place.