The new Peterborough Park Inn Hotel is being built in the former British Telecom building in Wentworth Street, and when finished is expected to be one of the most eye-catching landmarks in the city centre.

Work has begun to install a large illuminated name sign on top of the building, while at the same time frantic action is going on behind the scenes to make sure that everything will be ready to go on opening night.

Earlier this month, Rezidor Hotel Group, which owns the Park Inn brand, put in a late night licensing application which will enable the hotel to play host to parties and business meetings.

A spokeswoman for the chain said: "There will be three conference and meeting rooms available, each being able to hold up to 30 people. This will mean the hotel will be a great venue for business conferences.

"The late night licence will be for events mainly held on Friday and Saturday nights, up to about 2am, although final details are still being discussed."

Along with the licensing application, staff are currently being recruited, and it is expected that over 100 new jobs will be created at the hotel.

The identity of a new general manager will be announced later this month.

On site parking will also be available, although the spokeswoman said it is not yet clear how many spaces there will be.

The BT Building had been vacant for almost two years when the plans for the 115 bedroom hotel were announced in March last year.

The first Park Inn hotel opened in the UK in May 2004, at Heathrow. There are currently 18 hotels in the UK with a further 14 – including the 55,000 sq ft Peterborough Park Inn – under development and due to open in the next two years.

There are also a number of hotels in Europe and the rest of the world, including Los Angeles, Moscow and Paris.

Anyone wishing to make representations concerning the licensing application should do so by writing to Peterborough City Council, Licensing Section, Bridge House, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1HU, before July 31.