Travelodge secures three new sites in partnerships with local authorities

By Lauren Houghton

- Last updated on GMT

An impression of Travelodge Bicester
An impression of Travelodge Bicester

Related tags Local government

Travelodge has announced plans to open three new hotels costing £11.5m in partnerships with local authorities to ‘regenerate communities’ across the UK.

The hotel group will work with Cherwell District Council at Bicester, Breckland Council at Thetford and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council at Redhill to build new a new hotel in each area.

The three new hotels will take Travelodge’s portfolio to 519 hotels and will create 50 new jobs.

These deals are the first from Travelodge’s drive to encourage local councils to work with the group to build hotels,​ while at the same time making use of local assets and regenerating communities.

The hotels in the programme will be built on local authority land, while the funding will be provided through the council’s internal resources, the Public Works Loan Board, or other third-party resources.

When the developments are complete the local authorities can choose to retain the ownership of the hotel and charge Travelodge rent, or to sell the hotel with Travelodge as its operator.

Travelodge’s chief executive Peter Gowers said: “We are delighted to be working with leading local authorities to help local communities realise the income potential, job creation and other community benefits that a Travelodge-backed development scheme can bring to their area. 

“There are considerable further growth opportunities for Travelodge in towns and cities right across Britain and we are looking forward to adding further hotels to the portfolio as we extend the programme over the years ahead.”

Redhill development

In Redhill in Surrey the new development will include the construction of a 68-room Travelodge hotel with a bar and café.

It will be built as part of the wider redevelopment of the Warwick Quadrant, which will include a new supermarket, a new gym, and improvements to the entrance of the Council’s Harlequin Theatre.

Councillor at Reigate & Banstead Council Natalie Bramhall said: “Our investment in the new hotel will ensure this important element of the development can go ahead. We are confident that we will get a good return on our investment through the ongoing rental income and the increase in the value of the site in the longer term.”

Bicester development

The Bicester Travelodge will have 53 rooms and will be part of Cherwell District Council’s regeneration of the Franklin’s Yard area of the town centre. The development will also include new restaurants, a new library, a number of new retail units, and office space. It is expected to be complete by summer 2015.

Councillor at Cherwell District Council Norman Bolster said: “Not only will this scheme bring jobs, boost the economy, and provide essential community facilities; but the addition of the hotel and restaurants will continue to rejuvenate the town outside of office hours, bringing greater activity and vitality.”

Thetford development

The Thetford development will include a 62-room Travelodge hotel on Bridge Street in the city centre. It will also include a new cinema and five restaurant units. Work on the development will start in summer 2015.

Leader of Breckland Council Michael Wassell said: “The development of Thetford’s riverside area, including the brand new hotel, will support the town’s regeneration and enhance the facilities available to both residents and visitors to Thetford, Breckland and wider-Norfolk.”

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