The National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham has appointed a new director and has announced a multi-million pound plan to build a 250-room hotel to complement its conference facility.
The museum trustees have engaged consultants to prepare a planning application, and the plans will be on display on 24 and 25 January in the museum foyer at Solihull.
James Hewing is the new museum director. He spent the past ten years as CEO of the Vintage Motorcycle Club Ltd (VMCC LTD).
Hewing said: “The idea is to turn the museum into a major tourism attraction displaying the heritage of the British motorcycle industry.
“The world’s largest collection of British motorcycles is hugely important. It is evidence of the engineering skills, innovation and expertise of an industry largely based in the West Midlands.
“The investment in the museum is wholly reliant on the revenue generated from the conference business and there is an increasing demand from the conference market for overnight accommodation.
“The investment will include a hotel of circa 250 bedrooms and will secure the long-term future of the museum.”
The development will create 150-200 jobs and safeguard the existing 150 jobs on the site.
The museum is located in the green belt and special justification will be required to support the proposals in an intended planning application to be submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
Nick Hartland, another director, said: “Last year was a great year for us, and we are confident that, with James on board, 2014 will be even better. Having worked closely with him during his time at the Vintage Motorcycle Club, I know he has some brilliant ideas for the museum and I look forward to working with him to create an all-round fantastic experience for our visitors.”