A £6m transformation of the Plaza Tower has turned around the fortunes of one of East Kilbride’s most maligned landmarks.
That’s thanks to a joint venture between Welcome Break and EK, East Kilbride, bringing a brand new 101-room hotel to the town.
And – after just eight months of work – the new Ramada Hotel is open, having already welcomed a large delegation of international guests.
The EK News was given an exclusive tour of the new facility by general manager David McQuiston, who confirmed the hotel opened on time – just.
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He said: “We opened for business on Monday, April 8 by the skin of our teeth.
“We welcomed 45 Chinese delegates who absolutely loved it and loved the fact they were attached to the shopping centre.
“They just dropped their cases and headed out to spend money. As expected, we’ve had a few teething problems, but things have gone to plan so far.”
And having toured the new facility – equipped with luxury bar, top-spec meeting rooms and boardrooms, a state-of-the-art gym, and stylish bedrooms – it’s safe to say the transformation is one that would change the minds of even the strongest critics of the building.
A spokesman for Next Clearance store latest retailer to shut up shop in East Kilbride said: “Ramada is a huge brand and the new hotel is a fantastic addition to the town centre.
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“Not only will the opening provide a significant jobs boost to the town but will help in our continuing efforts to attract new leisure and retail operators to the centre.”
The new hotel – based over floors eight, nine, 10 and 12 of the building – has created 23 jobs, including David’s, with a further six created for external cleaners.
Employing a local laundry firm too, the ethos of the hotel is to help support and invest in the local area. And that starts with their neighbours at the town centre.
David added: “We’ve already got a fantastic relationship with EK, East Kilbride.
“They’ve made us feel at home straight away and part of the bigger picture, whether maintenance help or security walking up to check on our staff at night.
Plans for the build were first mooted three years ago, with work starting last August.
The final budget is still to be confirmed, but the transformation came in at around £6m.
