Plans were unveiled yesterday for a new Premier Inn hotel in a project worth approximately £5m that will also bring extra jobs to the area.

The plans, which were opened up to the public at Coronation Hall, in Ulverston, yesterday, show the layout for the building on the North Lonsdale Terrace site of the former abattoir, which has been unused for some time.

Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, Premier Inn's parent company, is looking to submit its application to South Lakeland District Council by the end of the month.

Nick Johnston, acquisition manager at Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, who is leading the project, said: "We believe we will bring a lot of positive benefits to Ulverston.

"Our hotel will help bring thousands of additional visitors and contribute to the regeneration of the east of the town."

The plans for the hotel show 79 rooms, five of which are special access rooms for disabled guests, and 68 car parking spaces. There will also be an in-house cafe and walk-in restaurant.

The project would also provide around 30 part-time and full-time jobs to the area and also act as another option of accommodation for tourists visiting the historic market town.

The project's architectural manager, Graham Marcroft, said: "Premier Inn has many satisfied and dedicated customers and we are hoping that having on in Ulverston will be no exception.

"We already have a successful Premier Inn in Barrow which opened two years ago. Our market research has pointed to the potential this hotel could have."

One Ulverston resident said: "It's been far too long a wait for something like this, it's just what this town needs.

"We need somewhere to help accommodate any visitors in the area and for those finding work around here."

Should the planning application be accepted by SLDC, the work on the site would start at the beginning of January, with the aim of being completed between late April and early May.

Go to www.premierinnulverston.co.uk  to view the plans.