THE new Premier Inn hotel complex in Dolphin Square welcomed its first guests this week.

The 112-bed hotel and Brewers Fayre restaurant opened for business officially on Monday.

It represents the completion of the second of three phases that will make up the �45million regeneration of the site, following the completion of the Carlton Street car park in the autumn.

Developers McLaren Life told the Mercury this week that the final phase of work will begin with the demolition of the precinct in January.

The shops are currently being stripped down before the area is bulldozed to make room for new shops and restaurants.

No retailers have confirmed they will join the development yet but Prezzo, Harvester, Pizza Express, First Bowl and Vue Cinemas are all signed up.

Despite the opening of the Premier Inn hotel this week, staff found time to take part in a North Somerset Council litter-pick in Weston.

They joined other volunteers in tidying up Grove Park and brightening up the entrance to the railway station.

Premier Inn staff member Sarah Aplin said it provided a great opportunity for staff to get to know each other and help the local community at the same time.

She said: “As a company that is part of the community and which has recruited locally, it is important we give something back and work towards making the town inviting for visitors and something we can all be proud of.”