A hotel chain that previously pulled out of a town centre redevelopment in Dover is now proposing what it describes as an “innovative development partnership” with the district council.

Travelodge has written to the council putting forward a new plan to finance the construction of a new Travelodge hotel in Dover, which, the company says, will not only create jobs in the community but will also generate a profit for the council.

By borrowing money from central Government via the Public Works Loan Board at a fixed low interest rate, local authorities can regenerate surplus land that they own and generate double-digit profits on their investment.

Travelodge has already successfully opened two hotels in conjunction with local authorities using this programme, in Aylesbury and Eastleigh and talks are taking place with another five local authorities across the country.

Paul Harvey, property managing director at Travelodge Hotels, said: “Working with local councils in this creative way has been a great experience for us and as a result of these innovative development partnerships, we have today written to 124 councils, which includes Dover District Council to see if we can work together on a similar partnership.

“If Dover District Council has suitable land or assets in the town that are viable for a Travelodge hotel, then we would be delighted to work with them to help boost their local economy, create new jobs within the community and generate a good return for their investment.”

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.