New boss says staff will stay

All of the work force at the three- star hotel, lounge bar, bistro and restaurant will remain in their posts following the takeover by Richard Carr's Future 3000.

When the announcement was made to staff on Monday concern was raised over the company's intentions for the prestigious facility, located on the waterfront at Lilliput.

There were fears that staff would be replaced and the hotel - built in 1938 and ranked as one of the top three-star hotels in England - would cease to operate in that form.

"The business we have been running has been a very select three-star hotel and it would be difficult to imagine that would fit into Future 3000's plans," said one member of staff, who didn't wish to be named.

"It has all happened incredibly quickly and we are still coming to terms with it but the staff are concerned for their jobs."

Despite this initial anxiety, Future 3000's chief executive Peter Gregory has confirmed that every single member of staff has automatically been employed under their existing terms and conditions.

He said that there were no "major plans" on the cards for the business in the near future and the company had committed to provide functions and bookings for the rest of the year.

"We are not looking to reinvent the wheel as it is a very successful business already," said Mr Gregory. "We are just evolving what is already there and making the hotel more welcoming."

He added: "We will be looking to improve what is already there with some redecoration and make sure everything is as good as it can be."

The purchase of Salterns Hotel comes just weeks after the launch of Future 3000's Oyster Quay bar on Poole Quay.

The company already owns the Opera House, bar and restaurants Toko and Bliss, bar Slam and the Slinky dance brand and sees the move into the hotel industry as an "exciting" new venture.

"It is very exciting for us as a company and we are certainly looking forward to the challenge," said Mr Gregory.