Barrow hotel set for approval
Last updated at 16:46, Thursday, 01 November 2012
THE country’s largest budget accommodation chain is awaiting a vote on plans to open a new hotel in a move that could create up to 60 jobs in Barrow.
Premier Inn, which runs more than 650 hotels across the UK, submitted an application in July to build the three-storey, 80-bedroom premises on land in North Road.
Barrow Borough Council’s planning committee is set to meet on Tuesday and the case officer has recommended members accept the multi-million pound development.
If approved, the hotel would be located on land next to the Dock Museum and feature a 119-space car park and Brewers Fayre pub and restaurant.
Premier Inn’s parent company, Whitbread PLC, held confidential discussions on the project with the council for more than two years before finally going public in 2011.The development hinged upon the council’s executive committee agreeing to sell the Dock Museum car park to Whitbread for an undisclosed fee.
Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants acquisition manager Nick Johnston said the company was excited at the prospect of moving into the town
“Barrow has been on our target list for a long time and we have been working closely with the council,” he said.
“The Dock Museum site is an ideal location for a new Premier Inn and its proximity to the town centre and BAE’s plant will ensure the hotel supports key businesses in the town, as well as giving our leisure visitors a convenient base to explore Barrow and the surrounding areas
“I look forward to hearing councillors’ views on our proposals and hopefully delivering our investment and creating new jobs as soon as we can.”
Council planning officer Barry Jesson has suggested in his report to the committee that the proposal receive planning permission subject to more than 20 conditions
“The hotel and restaurant will form an L-shaped development, with the restaurant located at the front of the site when viewed from North Road, but set back from the front elevation of the hotel to make best use of the plot and to site the buildings outside the flood area,” he said.
The council hopes it will provide impetus to the town’s business and tourism sectors.
The development is expected to provide an economic boost with the creation of approximately 50 to 60 jobs, many of which will be recruited locally,” Mr Jesson said.
Plans for a new car park for the museum will also be heard at the committee, with a total of 56 spaces and a new entrance set to be created.The meeting is set to take place in Barrow Town Hall at 2.30pm on Tuesday.
First published at 16:18, Thursday, 01 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Like other comments I too am an exiled Barrovian and have found it way over the top in price and indeed impossible to find accommodation when family functions occur so, in my opinion More competitive accommodation is an absolute must for the town.
It is no good the owners of second rate establishments moaning when charging silly prices when the big boys are so modern and good value for money as TRAVELODGE have proved but their vacancies are quite rare in my experiences and two town centre emporiums are good value but have the curse of CORNWALLIS ST late on to contend with
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This is news and I really hope that Barrow Council agree to it. People need to stop being so narrow minded and having that small town mentality. Barrow needs to grow to become bigger and better. As more companies come to Barrow it will encourage further growth. Barrow is an isolated town so can't rely on nearby cities for facilities.
Posted by jake on 11 November 2012 at 14:55